step by step vs step-by-step

Both "step by step" and "step-by-step" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Step by step" is used to describe a process or instructions that are done one at a time, while "step-by-step" is used as an adjective to describe something that is done in a gradual or systematic way.

Last updated: March 20, 2024

step by step

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a process or instructions that are done one at a time.

Use "step by step" when describing a process or instructions that are followed one after another, in a sequence.

Examples:

She explained the math problem step by step.
The recipe was easy to follow, with instructions given step by step.

Alternatives:

gradually
sequentially
methodically
systematically
in a stepwise manner

step-by-step

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English as an adjective to describe something that is done in a gradual or systematic way.

Use "step-by-step" as an adjective to describe a process or action that is done in a gradual, systematic manner.

Examples:

She followed the step-by-step instructions to assemble the furniture.
The project was completed step-by-step, with each phase carefully planned.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Committee on Budgets therefore proposes a step-by-step readjustment of the own resources system.
Essentially, it does it by providing a smooth ramp of gradual step-by-step increment.
Above all, however, we need a step-by-step plan.
I wanted you to walk them through the bill step-by-step.
Silver and gold, step-by-step, the path unfolds.
We can go step-by-step through regionals and sectionals, All the way to nationals, building our routines.
They are essential in the step-by-step process of spreading the European vision, principles and requirements towards neighbouring third countries.
Given the number of sites which are likely to be contaminated, their identification requires a systematic step-by-step approach.
After a transitional period, the aim is to establish an area of free trade which should be achieved on a step-by-step basis.
The aim is the step-by-step liberalisation of trade between the EU and the partner regions or individual states.
Indeed, thanks to this step-by-step integration of Europe, considerable progress has been made, and no one can deny that.
The European Union should await the election results and respond towards Belarus accordingly, in line with a step-by-step policy.
It must motivate our partners to cooperate more closely with the Union and it must be dynamic and based on a structured, step-by-step approach.
We need to make step-by-step progress on many important files, and I refer in particular to the traffic and transport sector, which Mr Jarzembowski has already mentioned.
This too is possible in the Western Balkans, as is the step-by-step introduction of the change in visa policy, which Baroness Ludford has previously mentioned.
Member States are progressively learning how to cooperate with one another, but we need to go step-by-step.
In addition, there will be a gradual, step-by-step reduction in order to achieve a long-term target of 147 grams per kilometre by 2020.
These conclusions are hardly surprising, but they are not very helpful as a step-by-step solution to the backlog of problems in the European Union.
We have decided - I speak for my group in committee and here in Parliament - to approve and support this compromise, because the way to construct Europe is to advance step-by-step.
I agree with Mr Bontempi that this is about a step-by-step process, a process in which we deepen the specific cooperation, and at the same time work to coordinate our rules.

Alternatives:

gradually
systematically
methodically
in a stepwise manner
in a systematic way

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step by step vs step-by-step

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