in the first step vs on the second step

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the first step' is used when referring to the initial stage of a process or sequence. 'On the second step' is used when talking about a specific point in a sequence or process.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 28, 2025 • 4808 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the initial stage of a process or sequence.

"in the first step"

This phrase is used to indicate the first part or stage of a process, plan, or sequence.

Examples:

In the first step of the recipe, mix the dry ingredients.
In the first step of the project, we need to gather all the necessary materials.

Show examples from the web [+]

A Specification will not be available in the first step.
This enzyme is involved in the first step of the production of glycosphingolipids.
The review procedure is essential to improve the quality of a PEF study, therefore it needs to be defined in the first step of the process, i.e. in the goal definition.
In the first step, proposals shall be assessed by at least two independent experts, who review both technical and market aspects of the proposal.
In the first step the error value of the power is to be determined as a standard deviation being equivalent to a confidence interval of 68 %.
In the first step, the central government borrows money from the MFI:
In the first step, which should start applying 4 years after the dates of mandatory application of the Euro 6 standards, a conformity factor of 2,1 should apply.
In the first step, the TSOs participating in a review of bidding zone configuration shall develop the methodology and assumptions that will be used in the review process and propose alternative bidding zone configurations for the assessment.
The basic monthly salary of a temporary agent in the first step at AD 9 level, before any deductions or allowances, is approximately EUR 6640.
It shall be effected by classifying such contract staff in the first step of the next higher grade.
An official dismissed for incompetence shall, for the period defined in paragraph 7, be entitled to a monthly dismissal allowance equal to the basic monthly salary of an official in the first step of grade 1.
In the first step the Commission adopted a proposal for a Directive amending the Directives linked to supplementary supervision, in particular Directives 98/78/EC, 2002/87/EC and 2006/48/EC.
In the first step, a regression analysis has been carried out to identify the impact of a change in the airport's passenger numbers on the airport's operating costs.
Within their grade, such contract staff shall be recruited in the first step.
In the second step, the estimate of the additional operating costs as a result of the Ryanair agreements was derived from the results in the first step combined with forecasts of the number of Ryanair passengers.
(2) In the first step it is convenient to fix the data concerning information on the registration of holdings with porcine animals.

Alternatives:

At the beginning of the process
During the initial stage
As the first step
At the outset
Initially

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific point in a sequence or process.

"on the second step"

This phrase is used to indicate a particular step or point in a sequence or process, following the first step.

Examples:

On the second step of the instructions, you need to add the liquid ingredients.
On the second step of the project timeline, we will start the data analysis.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 22, 2022 ... ... of ovarian follicular growth and maturation in mammals can be compared to a fruit ripening where quality depends on the second step.
The two-step process of ovarian follicular growth and maturation in mammals can be compared to a fruit ripening where quality depends on the second step.
Feb 26, 2013 ... RDE must have been on the second step towards international society. We are renewing the editorial process and the journal homepage for ...
Cycles PEUGEOT on the second step of the podium of the French Mountain Bike cup. Yannick Pontal started the 2021 MTB Enduro season with a podium in the ...

Alternatives:

At the second stage
For the next step
In the following step
At step two
At the next stage

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in the first step vs on the second step

"in the first step"

"on the second step"

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