Collocations are words that usually go together in English.
Here we are going to look at words that go with 'step' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.
Step-by-step instructions/guide/method/tutorial
A 'Step-by-step instructions/guide/method/tutorial' methodically show(s) or explain(s) each part or stage of something.
Examples
- The software comes with a step-by-step guide to help you install it.
- Just follow the step-by-step instructions and you'll have no trouble assembling the furniture.
- I filmed a step-by-step tutorial to show new recruits how to use the machinery.
Stepping stone
If something is regarded as a 'stepping stone', then it is seen as a means of advancement or progress towards an end goal, rather than the end goal itself.
Examples
- This job is just a stepping stone for me. I'm just doing it to gain some experience.
- I want employees who are passionate about working here, not ones who merely see it as a stepping stone to better things.
- Lots of people want to get an internship with that company, as it is seen as an important stepping stone to a career in television.
Two-step approach/process
A 'two-step approach/process' is one that is accomplished (completed) in two stages.
Examples
- Once an article has been written, it goes through a two-step process before being published. First it is edited, then it is reviewed by the legal team.
- The boss laid out a two-step approach for the company's development which involved attracting new investment, and expanding into different markets.
Stepfamily
A 'stepfamily' is a family where a parent has children not biologically related to the other parent. It can also be used to refer to other unrelated individuals within a family unit such as mother/father/brother/sister, etc.
Examples
- Mary married a man who had children from a previous relationship. She became their stepmother and as a group they became a stepfamily.
- After Jack's parents got divorced, his father married a woman who already had a young daughter. The girl therefore became Jack's stepsister.
Step foot (in)
To 'step foot in' somewhere means to go to, frequent, or enter a place. An alternative to this could be 'set foot in'.
Examples
- After the way the cashier treated me, you can be sure that I won't be stepping foot in that shop again.
- As soon as I stepped foot on the University's campus, I knew that it was the right place for me.