Secondary importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Secondary importance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not the main focus or priority, but still holds some level of significance. Example: "While the budget is crucial, the timeline is of secondary importance in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Industry and commerce were of secondary importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The architectural aesthetics are of secondary importance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Essential, if of secondary importance to the fat used.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Throughout the nineteen-nineties, though, aids seemed of secondary importance.

The New Yorker

Who it goes to is of secondary importance to him.

The New York Times - Sports

Some scholars continue to think Thomas of secondary importance.

The New York Times - Books

Human rights concerns are now of secondary importance to trade.

The Guardian - Opinion

The beef qualities of the breed are of secondary importance.

Britannica

Climatic fluctuations are of only secondary importance.

CATENA

Yet for all the passion, the football is of secondary importance.

The Guardian - Sport

"What I'm playing is of secondary importance to what's coming out of the speakers," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secondary importance" to clearly signal that one factor is less critical than another, helping to prioritize information for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "secondary importance" when you mean 'backup' or 'alternative'. "Secondary" in this phrase refers to a lower level of significance, not a replacement or reserve option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary importance" functions as a descriptor, specifying that something has a lower level of priority or significance compared to something else. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secondary importance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is of lesser significance than another factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, and is best used to clarify priorities. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly distinguishes between the primary and less critical elements, and avoid confusing it with the concept of 'backup' options. Alternatives like "less significant" or "of minor importance" can also be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Of lesser importance

Emphasizes a lower level of significance or priority.

Less significant

Indicates reduced importance or impact.

Of minor importance

Highlights the limited significance of something.

Not a priority

Focuses on the lack of immediate attention or focus.

Of subordinate importance

Implies a lower rank or position in terms of importance.

Subsidiary to

Indicates something that supports or supplements something else, lacking primary importance.

Second fiddle

Idiomatic expression for playing a supporting or less important role.

Ancillary

Describes something that provides support but isn't essential.

Peripheral

Suggests something is on the edge or not central to the main issue.

Marginal

Indicates minimal significance or impact.

FAQs

How to use "Secondary importance" in a sentence?

You can use "secondary importance" to indicate that something is less important than another thing. For example: "While the budget is crucial, the timeline is of "secondary importance" in this project."

What can I say instead of "Secondary importance"?

You can use alternatives like "less significant", "of minor importance", or "not a priority" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "secondary importance" or "second importance"?

"Secondary importance" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Second importance" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "primary importance" and "secondary importance"?

"Primary importance" refers to the most important or crucial aspect, while ""secondary importance"" refers to something that is less important but still relevant or significant.