a most important

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a most important" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is very important. For example, "During this time of crisis, it is a most important that we come together and support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was a most important day.

The New York Times

Litt called it "a most important book".

The Guardian

Regoliths are a most important component of solar system bodies.

Advances in Space Research

It is an excellent book — and a most important one.

The New Yorker

It is a most important point," he said.

The Guardian

They constitute a most important source for Roman provincial administration.

Britannica

It was a "most important symbolic action," Mr. Amadi said.

The New York Times

Thus, the language as language played a most important role.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It addresses a most important set of questions concerning the relationship of information technologies to globalization.

Princeton University

As an interpretive work and stocktaking, it is a most important industrial-relations book...

Cornell University

That black woman is integral, if not a most important part of the family unit".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a most important" to emphasize the critical nature of a point or element, especially when setting priorities or highlighting consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a most important" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone may sound unnatural or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a most important" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the importance of the noun it precedes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and serves to highlight the significant nature of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a most important" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival modifier that emphasizes the significance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific publications. While versatile, it's best reserved for neutral to formal writing to maintain its impact and avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual settings. When aiming to highlight the criticality of something, "a most important" serves as an effective choice, although alternatives like "a crucial" or "an essential" might suit specific nuances better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial

Emphasizes the decisive or critical nature of something.

a vital

Highlights the essential or life-sustaining aspect of something.

an essential

Stresses the fundamental and indispensable nature of something.

a critical

Focuses on the potential for crisis or decisive turning point.

a significant

Indicates considerable importance or consequence.

a key

Implies that something unlocks or enables other important things.

a primary

Highlights the fundamental and foundational nature of something.

a paramount

Stresses the supreme importance or rank of something.

a central

Indicates something is fundamentally important or at the core of something.

a weighty

Highlights the serious or substantial nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a most important" in a sentence?

Use "a most important" to highlight something of great significance. For instance, "Establishing clear communication is "a most important" step in any successful project".

What are some alternatives to "a most important"?

Alternatives include "a crucial", "a vital", or "an essential". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "most important" or "a most important" more correct?

Both are grammatically sound, but "a most important" is often used for emphasis, while "most important" can be used to describe a superlative quality or rank. Which one to use depends on what you'd like to communicate.

When is it appropriate to use "a most important" in writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to strongly emphasize the significance of something. However, it should be used sparingly to maintain its impact.