Learn English – “The first step in making” vs. “the first step on making” vs. “the first step at making”

at-ongrammaticalityin onprepositionsword-choice

I have this sentence:

I strongly believe that the first step in making the most efficient solution for any problem is analyzing it well.

Would it be better to use either of the following?

  • I strongly believe that the first step on making the most efficient solution for any problem is analyzing it well.
  • I strongly believe that the first step at making the most efficient solution for any problem is analyzing it well.

The context is as follows:

First of all, I concentrate on understanding the big picture of any problem. I always try to recognize all the factors that have caused the problem. Then, I start planning the solution at a very high level in order to create long-term benefits. I strongly believe that the first step in making the most efficient solution to any problem is analyzing it well. In my opinion, "What to do" is much more important than "How to do".

Best Answer

Of the options you offered, "to", "on" and "at", the first is certainly the best, and I have heard it used many times in that context. The other two don't make much sense. However, I'd offer an alternative:

... the first step toward making the most efficient solution...

It seems to me to work well with the metaphorical walk to a solution.