took the first step vs made the first step

Both 'took the first step' and 'made the first step' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable and convey the same meaning of initiating an action or process.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2695 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate initiating an action or process.

"took the first step"

This phrase is used to describe the act of starting something or being the first to take action in a particular situation.

Examples:

She took the first step towards mending their relationship.
Taking the first step in a new project can be daunting.
He took the first step by apologizing for his mistake.

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More recently the EU Commission took the first step towards legal action against Ireland for inadequate monitoring and control of water pollution from agricultural sources.
- You took the first step.
You took the first step to peace between our worlds.
Well, we just took the first step.
We took the first step in the process towards setting up Eurojust, which we consider an incredibly important aspect in the fight against organised crime.
All this is largely because Europe took the first step, and the European Union must continue to lead.
By adopting the European Economic Recovery Plan on 26 November 2008 the Commission took the first step to addressing the severe consequences of the economic downturn, notably on the labour market, by proposing practical common action to the Member States.
The Commission took the first step towards addressing the problems that arise from poorly designed compensation structures when, on 30th April 2009, it adopted Recommendations on the regime for the remuneration of directors of listed companies7 and on remuneration policies in the financial services sector.

Alternatives:

took the initiative
initiated the process
started the journey
began the process
embarked on the task

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate initiating an action or process.

"made the first step"

This phrase is used to describe the act of starting something or being the first to take action in a particular situation.

Examples:

She made the first step towards achieving her goal.
Making the first step in a negotiation is crucial.
He made the first step by proposing a solution.

Show examples from the web [+]

What matters is that you made the first step.
What matters is that you made the first step.
Of course, it will not be Parliament that defines this policy, but the Commission, who have made the first step through this interesting communication, and the Council.
We have only just made the first step towards an overall 20% reduction in intervention prices, with a further 7.1% to follow this year and again next year.
This is, of course, a very unexplored area in psychology... and we have only made the first steps into a mysterious land of wonders.
They made the first tentative steps towards liberalisation.
By adopting the 'Small Business Act' in 2008, the European Commission made the first decisive step towards small and medium-sized enterprises by introducing the 'Think Small First' principle in all areas of legislation.
By adopting the 'Small Business Act' in 2008, the European Commission made the first decisive step for these SMEs by introducing the 'Think Small First' principle in all areas of legislation.
I agree with you entirely, Commissioner, because you have made it clear that the first step has not yet been taken.
Still, you've made that first step.
The first steps made in the field of information exchange have also been good, but not sufficient.
So I guess we both made good first steps.
I am pleased that it has made a first step in the course of decision-making to be followed.
The EU made an important first step in streamlining regulation on 12 November.
No! You made a great first step in repairing your relationship.
No! You made a great first step in repairing your relationship.
The Mitchell Commission has made first step could be to send observers, but this could be lead to the sending of a peacekeeping force.
The Communication on Promoting sustainable development in the EU non-energy extractive industry made a first step to develop this dialogue, and has been followed by work to develop sustainable development indicators for the industry.
The European Community and the Member States have already made a first step in the right direction with regard to the imports and exports of GMOs, namely by endorsing the Cartagena Protocol.
I welcome the progress made as a positive first step towards a more sustainable road transport system.

Alternatives:

took the first step
took the initiative
initiated the process
started the journey
began the process

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took the first step vs made the first step