Cool MatePace vs Step
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pace
Top 2,000 (common)B1
Step
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Most common: Step
| Pace | Step | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/peɪs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/peɪs/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/step/"]/🇺🇸 /["/step/"]/ |
| Meaning | the speed at which something happens or is done | To lift your foot and put it down in a new position. |
| Example | She matched his running pace to keep up. | She took a step forward to greet her friend. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | set the pace, keep pace, slow the pace, pace yourself, increase the pace | big, considerable, giant, number, series, go, make, take, step in, step towards/toward, a step closer (to something), a short step from something to something, a step back, big, considerable, giant, number, series, go, make, take, step in, step towards/toward, a step closer (to something), a short step from something to something, a step back, large, small, heavy, go, take, retrace, step (away) from, step towards/toward, a spring in your step, a step ahead, a step behind, large, small, heavy, go, take, retrace, step (away) from, step towards/toward, a spring in your step, a step ahead, a step behind, front, back, porch, flight, go up, run up, walk up, lead to something, step to, step down to, step up to, the bottom of the steps, the foot of the steps, the top of the steps, dance, jive, tango, execute, perform, learn, in step, out of step (with), large, small, heavy, go, take, retrace, step (away) from, step towards/toward, a spring in your step, a step ahead, a step behind |
| Antonyms | stop, halt, slowdown | stop, remain |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'pace' as a verb meaning to walk back and forth., Using 'pace' only for physical activities, instead of for abstract progress like work or learning., Mispronouncing 'pace' by elongating the vowel sound. | 'Step' confused with 'staple', Using 'stepped' when 'step' is needed, Misusing in idiomatic expressions |
| Usage notes | Use 'pace' to describe the speed of an action or event. It is often used in contexts like running or working. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. | Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In formal situations, it might refer to stages in a process, while in informal contexts, it can refer to walking or making progress. |
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Frequently asked questions: Pace vs Step
What's the difference between Pace and Step?
Pace: the speed at which something happens or is done Step: To lift your foot and put it down in a new position.
Which is more common: Pace and Step?
Step is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Pace and Step?
Pace is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Pace and Step the same CEFR level?
Pace: B1, Step: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Pace: She matched his running pace to keep up. Step: She took a step forward to greet her friend.
Can I use Pace and Step interchangeably?
Not always. Pace and Step are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.