To leave a leadership role so that someone else can take over.
Example
A: Why is Maya no longer running the project?
B: She stepped aside to give someone with more technical experience a chance.
Tell it apart
Same verb · different particle
“step” phrasal verbs
Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.
3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
To leave an important job or official position, usually so someone else can take over.
Example
A: Did you hear Mr. Lee is stepping down as principal?
B: Really? I wonder who will replace him.
Tell it apart
She stepped down as CEO.
She stepped up as CEO.
To increase your effort, activity, production, or pressure when more is needed.
Example
A: We're getting way more orders than last month.
B: Then we'll have to step up production, or we'll fall behind.
Tell it apart
Fill the gap
Which “step” fits?
Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.
Turn this into speaking practice
Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.