Steps are being taken to
Formal business communication expression
直訳: Physical movements of the feet (steps) are currently (are being) moved or carried (taken) toward a goal (to).
Use this to sound professional and reassuring when describing a process that is currently underway.
15秒でわかる
- Formal way to say 'we are working on it.'
- Uses the passive voice to sound professional and objective.
- Indicates that a process or plan has already started.
意味
It's a fancy way of saying 'we are working on it' or 'we have started the process' to fix a problem or reach a goal.
主な例文
3 / 6In a formal business meeting
Steps are being taken to address the budget shortfall for next quarter.
Steps are being taken to address the budget shortfall for next quarter.
Responding to a customer complaint
Please be assured that steps are being taken to resolve your technical issue.
Please be assured that steps are being taken to resolve your technical issue.
A sarcastic text to a friend
Don't worry, steps are being taken to get me out of bed before noon.
Don't worry, steps are being taken to get me out of bed before noon.
文化的背景
This expression is a hallmark of Western corporate and political discourse. It utilizes the passive voice to convey progress while intentionally obscuring the specific individuals responsible. It became widely popular in the mid-20th century as a way to project institutional competence during crises.
Add an adjective for punch
You can add words like 'immediate,' 'necessary,' or 'preliminary' before 'steps' to sound even more precise.
The 'Empty Promise' Trap
In English culture, if you say this but don't follow through, it can sound like you're just using 'corporate speak' to avoid the problem.
15秒でわかる
- Formal way to say 'we are working on it.'
- Uses the passive voice to sound professional and objective.
- Indicates that a process or plan has already started.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a busy office. A problem pops up. You want to tell everyone you are handling it. You don't want to sound like a teenager. You want to sound like a pro. That is where steps are being taken to comes in. It means a process has officially begun. It implies there is a plan in place. You aren't just thinking about it. You are actually doing it. It’s like a staircase. You have already put your foot on the first step.
How To Use It
This phrase is a bit of a grammar puzzle. It uses the passive voice. This means the 'steps' are the star of the sentence. You don't even have to say who is doing the work. Just follow the phrase with a verb. For example: steps are being taken to + improve our service. You can add adjectives to change the vibe. Urgent steps sounds fast. Necessary steps sounds essential. It is a very flexible tool for your professional toolkit.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for professional emails. If a customer is waiting for a refund, use it. It sounds much better than 'we are trying.' Use it in formal reports or public statements. If there is a safety issue at a construction site, this is the phrase. It provides a sense of security. It tells the listener that the situation is under control. It’s great for high-pressure moments where you need to sound calm.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a Friday night party. If someone asks why the music stopped, don't say it. Your friends will think you've been working too hard! It can sound very cold and distant. Avoid it in intimate or emotional conversations. It can also sound like you are hiding something. If you use it too much without results, people will get annoyed. It can start to sound like an excuse for being slow.
Cultural Background
This phrase is the king of 'corporate speak.' In the US and UK, business language often avoids direct blame. By saying steps are being taken, you focus on the solution. You don't point fingers at the person who made the mistake. It’s a way to keep the peace in a big office. It has been a favorite of politicians for decades. It sounds authoritative without being too specific. It’s the language of the professional world.
Common Variations
You will often hear measures are being taken. This is the phrase's more serious cousin. It sounds like a government law is involved. Another one is action is being taken. This feels more energetic and fast. If you want to be more personal, say we are taking steps to. This is great for a small team. You can also say preliminary steps are being taken. This means you are just at the very beginning of the process.
使い方のコツ
This phrase is highly formal and best suited for professional writing or speech. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless you are being intentionally ironic or humorous.
Add an adjective for punch
You can add words like 'immediate,' 'necessary,' or 'preliminary' before 'steps' to sound even more precise.
The 'Empty Promise' Trap
In English culture, if you say this but don't follow through, it can sound like you're just using 'corporate speak' to avoid the problem.
The Passive Voice Secret
Using 'are being taken' instead of 'I am taking' is a cultural trick to make the action sound like a collective institutional effort rather than a personal task.
例文
6Steps are being taken to address the budget shortfall for next quarter.
Steps are being taken to address the budget shortfall for next quarter.
This sounds much more authoritative than saying 'we are trying to find money.'
Please be assured that steps are being taken to resolve your technical issue.
Please be assured that steps are being taken to resolve your technical issue.
This provides a sense of security to the customer.
Don't worry, steps are being taken to get me out of bed before noon.
Don't worry, steps are being taken to get me out of bed before noon.
Using formal language for a lazy situation creates a humorous contrast.
Immediate steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the local residents.
Immediate steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the local residents.
This is a standard phrase used by officials during emergencies.
Steps are being taken to renovate the community center by the end of the year.
Steps are being taken to renovate the community center by the end of the year.
Shows that the project is in the active phase.
We know we failed you, and steps are being taken to ensure this never happens again.
We know we failed you, and steps are being taken to ensure this never happens again.
Combines a serious tone with a promise of future change.
自分をテスト
Complete the sentence to sound professional in an email.
Regarding the delayed shipment, ___ to find the package.
The passive form 'are being taken' is the correct grammatical structure for this expression.
Choose the best verb to follow the phrase.
Steps are being taken to ___ the new security policy.
The phrase is followed by 'to' + the base form of the verb (infinitive).
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Spectrum of 'Working on it'
Used with friends.
I'm on it!
Standard daily use.
We're working on it.
Professional/Business.
Steps are being taken to...
Legal/Official.
Measures are being implemented to...
When to use 'Steps are being taken to'
Customer Service
Fixing a billing error.
Corporate Email
Updating staff on a project.
Public Safety
Addressing a road hazard.
Management
Improving office culture.
よくある質問
10 問While it's most common in business, you can use it in any formal setting, like government announcements or community meetings. Using it with friends is usually done only for humor.
In this context, 'taken' means 'performed' or 'carried out.' It’s the standard verb used with 'steps' when referring to actions.
You can, but 'Steps are being taken' (present continuous) sounds more active and immediate. It suggests the work is happening right now.
It is very similar but sounds slightly more serious or heavy. 'Measures' often implies new rules or laws are being made.
It can if overused. In a friendly office, you might prefer We're taking steps to to sound a bit more human.
A common mistake is forgetting the 'to.' You must follow it with an infinitive verb, like steps are being taken to fix the issue.
Yes! You can say steps are being taken to celebrate our success. However, it is most often used for solving problems.
It is equally common in both. It is a standard part of Global Business English.
Simply add the word 'immediate.' For example: Immediate steps are being taken to resolve the crisis.
It sounds more objective. It focuses the listener's attention on the solution rather than the person doing the work.
関連フレーズ
Measures are being taken
A more serious version often used for safety or legal actions.
In the process of
A neutral way to say something is currently happening.
Underway
An adjective meaning that a process has started (e.g., 'Plans are underway').
Action is being taken
A slightly more forceful way to say steps are being taken.
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