an important

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an important" is correct in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, event, or thing of great significance. For example, "This is an important issue that needs to be addressed" or "John is an important figure in the business world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An important question or an important topic.

WikiHow

It's an important relationship.

The New York Times

"That's an important number.

The New York Times - Sports

That's an important distinction.

The New York Times

"That's an important factor.

Independent

And an important one.

The New York Times

It's an important test".

The New York Times

It's an important distinction.

The New York Times

"It's an important start".

The New York Times

It's an important thing.

The New York Times

"That's an important principle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an important", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Choose a synonym if a more precise meaning is required for your context.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "an important" by providing specifics. Instead of saying "an important issue", specify what makes it important. For example, write "an important issue for economic stability" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an important" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun holds considerable significance or value. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a common and grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an important" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that signifies significance or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable in various contexts. While it's commonly found in news and media, its neutral register allows for use in both formal and informal settings. For greater precision, consider synonyms like "significant", "crucial", or "vital", tailoring your language to the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overusing "important" without providing context to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant

Replaces "important" with a synonym emphasizing consequence or value.

a vital

Highlights the necessity for life or success.

a crucial

Suggests that something is vital and essential for success.

a critical

Highlights a decisive stage or turning point.

a key

Indicates something central and necessary.

a major

Implies something large in scope or consequence.

a primary

Indicates something of first rank of importance.

a central

Suggests something at the core of a subject matter.

a notable

Emphasizes something worthy of attention or fame.

a prominent

Emphasizes something standing out or being well-known.

FAQs

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

Use "an important" to describe something of significance or consequence, like "This is "an important decision"" or "She plays "an important role" in the company".

What are some alternatives to "an important"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "a significant", "a crucial", or "a vital" in place of "an important".

Is there a difference between "an important" and "a significant"?

While similar, "an important" generally indicates something of consequence, while "a significant" often implies something statistically or noticeably different. The phrase "a significant" usually emphasizes impact.

When is it best to use "an important" in writing?

Use "an important" when you want to emphasize the value, relevance, or impact of something. Ensure the context clarifies why it is important. If you need to be more precise, consider alternative phrases like "a key" or "a critical".