air of importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of importance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a demeanor or attitude that conveys significance or seriousness. Example: "She walked into the room with an air of importance, commanding everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He still, however, exhudes an air of importance.

The New Yorker

The building had an air of importance, but there weren't any other clues or details.

The New Yorker

This means that its air of importance is more glaringly out of proportion to what it ultimately has to say.

The New York Times

Ms. Zizka's handsomely austere production, played on a simple sloping wood set by Ola Maslik, underscores the chilly air of importance.

The New York Times

"Argo" is a superficial tale of derring-do that gets its air of importance from its basis in a history that it takes for granted and leaves untouched.

The New Yorker

Could it be that Patricia and Cynthia have engineered this whole event, and moreover deliberately overlaid it with an air of importance and sadness, for various reasons of their own?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

For many air toxics of importance, mobile emissions from gasoline-powered automobiles and motorcycles and from diesel engines in trucks and cars can have a major impact on exposure near and within residences.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Their home is in Long Sutton, a town in south Lincolnshire with an air of past importance, whose church has the tallest wooden spire in Europe.

The Guardian - Money

Beneath this didactic surface, Reed's real concern is with the absurdity of war, its smallness in the face of natural beauty and human love, and the abuse of language required to lend conflict an air of overarching importance.

The Guardian - Books

These cinematic techniques lend the film, and the film's two dueling monarchs, an air of elevated importance.

Vice

The hall was originally hung with 28 portraits of Kings, Queens, and Emperors, from William the Conqueror to William III, intended to give the house an air of dynastic importance.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of importance" to subtly convey a sense of gravity or self-esteem without being overly direct. For example, describe a character's entrance with "an air of importance" to establish their status.

Common error

Avoid using "air of importance" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make the description feel contrived or cliché. Instead, vary your descriptions by using synonyms or showing the character's importance through their actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of importance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe the manner or demeanor of a person or object. It indicates a quality or characteristic of exhibiting significance or consequence, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of importance" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a demeanor or atmosphere conveying significance. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while the phrase is not exceedingly common, it is frequently employed in News & Media contexts. Related phrases such as "aura of significance" or "presence of authority" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. When using the phrase, be mindful of overuse and ensure it aligns with the intended tone of your writing. It serves to subtly convey a sense of gravity or self-esteem. The top sources employing this phrase include The New York Times and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aura of significance

Replaces "air" with "aura", emphasizing a surrounding atmosphere of importance, and "importance" with "significance", a synonym.

demeanor of consequence

Substitutes "air" with "demeanor", focusing on outward behavior, and replaces "importance" with "consequence", highlighting the weightiness of the matter.

bearing of gravity

Replaces "air" with "bearing", emphasizing posture and presence, and substitutes "importance" with "gravity", denoting seriousness.

presence of authority

Replaces "air of importance" with possessing a "presence of authority", directly indicating command and control.

aspect of prominence

Substitutes "air" with "aspect", referring to a particular appearance or feature, and replaces "importance" with "prominence", indicating a state of being important or famous.

attitude of notability

Replaces "air" with "attitude", referring to a settled way of thinking or feeling, and substitutes "importance" with "notability", denoting fame or importance.

aspect of weightiness

Substitutes "air" with "aspect", referring to a particular appearance or feature, and replaces "importance" with "weightiness", emphasizing the heaviness or seriousness of the matter.

feeling of moment

Replaces "air" with "feeling", focusing on an emotional sense, and substitutes "importance" with "moment", highlighting the significance of a particular point in time.

impression of seriousness

Replaces "air" with "impression", emphasizing the effect on others, and replaces "importance" with "seriousness", indicating a grave or solemn manner.

exuded self-importance

Changes the structure to a verb phrase, focusing on the act of projecting importance rather than possessing an "air" of it.

FAQs

How can I use "air of importance" in a sentence?

You can use "air of importance" to describe someone's behavior or the atmosphere of a place. For example: "The CEO entered the meeting with an air of importance" or "The historical document was displayed with an air of importance".

What can I say instead of "air of importance"?

You can use alternatives like "aura of significance", "demeanor of consequence", or "presence of authority" depending on the context.

How does "air of importance" differ from "air of arrogance"?

"Air of importance" suggests a sense of significance or gravity, while "air of arrogance" implies an exaggerated sense of one's own importance and superiority. The former can be neutral or even positive, while the latter is always negative.

Is it appropriate to use "air of importance" in formal writing?

Yes, "air of importance" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a character's demeanor or the atmosphere of a setting. However, consider the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.