step to vs step toward

Both 'step to' and 'step toward' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Step to' is used when someone is approaching or confronting someone or something directly, while 'step toward' is used when someone is moving in a particular direction or making progress in achieving a goal.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1305 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"step to"

This phrase is used when someone is approaching or confronting someone or something directly.

Examples:

He took a step to the side to avoid the obstacle.
She decided to step to the front of the line.
The boxer stepped to his opponent, ready for the fight.

Show examples from the web [+]

In addition to your password, 2-Step verification adds a quick second step to verify that it's you. Use 2-Step verification for all your online accounts. 2 ...
Verb edit · step to (third-person singular simple present steps to, present participle stepping to, simple past and past participle stepped to).
After you turn on 2-Step Verification, you must complete a second step to verify it's you when you sign in. To help protect your account, Google will ask ...

Alternatives:

move to
walk up to
approach
confront

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"step toward"

This phrase is used when someone is moving in a particular direction or making progress in achieving a goal.

Examples:

She took a step toward her dream of becoming a doctor.
The company is stepping toward a more sustainable future.
He stepped toward the finish line with determination.

Show examples from the web [+]

Al Moosari is a step toward finishing it.
I think of each perfect review as a step toward a better career.
Humans see freedom for the Seven as the next step toward peaceful integration.
No, but you might have taken the first tiny step toward your sailboat.
The proposal is a significant step toward improving transatlantic relations in the area of aviation.
We consider the Commission proposal to be a step toward reaching the goals relating to the Union's agricultural policy.
Maybe you overcome this and you take big step toward to Nirvana.
This could be another step toward getting the dean's restrictions lifted.
Maybe a step toward a country you once loved enough to die for is -
Deterrence as a nuclear strategy is, however, only morally acceptable if it is conceived of as a temporary measure, a step toward disarmament.
We consider the Commission proposal to be a step toward reaching the goals relating to the Union's agricultural policy.
This register is a step toward transparency, but just a step.
whereas the proposed REACH legislation represents a major step toward the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks affecting chemicals across all 25 EU member economies,
This represents a further step toward completing the creation of an Area of Freedom, Security and Justice, within the framework of the strategic partnership between the European Union and Russia.
The second step toward making America less dependant on foreign oil is to produce and refine more crude oil here at home in environmentally sensitive ways.
All I know is we have been walking away from each other since this thing started, and this is the first time he's taken a step toward me.
Roxxon's RD was the only logical step toward Ultron's tech domination.
SanCorp is against any step toward regulation, no matter how small.
It could be a step toward peace.
It is also a very important step toward speaking with one voice in external policy.

Alternatives:

move toward
progress toward
approach
make progress toward

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step to vs step toward

"step to"

"step toward"

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