Steps
From 'Vocabulary' part of The ABC Of Plain Words by Sir E Gowers (1951)

"Take steps to" is often padding, and should be used with care. It is not always to be condemned. It is a reasonable way of expressing the beginning of a gradual process, as in:

Steps are now being taken to acquire this land.

But it is inapposite, because of its literal incongruity, in such a sentence as.

All necessary steps should be taken to maintain the present position.