be more significant than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more significant than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the importance or value of one thing in relation to another. Example: "The findings of this study may be more significant than previous research in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My mistake happens to be more significant than others".

The New York Times - Sports

What may be more significant than mere height is whether the tower looms over its surroundings.

The New York Times

The results might be more significant than any of us first recognise.

The Guardian

So words from Brussels might turn out to be more significant than just small print.

The Guardian

In most cases, particles were found to be more significant than bicrystal boundaries for incubation.

International Journal of Fatigue

Those challenging the district's position argue that the need for more fields can't be more significant than the war memorial.

The New York Times

Notably, they promoted 30 events, which can be more significant than ads because they seep into real life.

The Washington Post

But it has stayed a distant dream because the challenges have turned out to be more significant than anyone imagined.

MIT Technology Review

But none may be more significant than refusing to accept the fact that the West's water resources are interconnected.

The New York Times

Rare events can be more significant than average ones and may occur more often than we think.

Harvard Business Review

Often water might just be one of 20 factors, and it might need to be more significant than that.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be more significant than", ensure a clear comparison between two distinct elements to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be more significant than" to exaggerate the importance of something trivial; ensure the comparison is proportional and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more significant than" functions as a comparative expression. It indicates that one entity, event, or factor holds greater importance or consequence compared to another. Ludwig examples showcase usage in diverse contexts, affirming its role in highlighting relative importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.8%

Academia

0.8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be more significant than" is a versatile comparative expression used to highlight the greater importance or impact of one element over another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media and scientific contexts, its use is often marked by a neutral and professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "carry greater weight than", "hold more importance than", and "matter more than", each bringing a slightly different emphasis to the comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry greater weight than

Emphasizes influence and importance.

hold more importance than

Highlights the value and relevance.

matter more than

Focuses on relevance and consequence.

outweigh

Implies a greater impact or influence.

exceed in importance

Formally states a higher level of relevance.

surpass in significance

Highlights exceeding a specific level of importance.

take precedence over

Indicates priority and order of importance.

prove more consequential than

Focuses on the resulting impact or outcome.

bear greater relevance than

Emphasizes the relationship and pertinence.

rise above in magnitude

Highlights a higher level of intensity or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "be more significant than" in a sentence?

You can use "be more significant than" to compare the importance of two things, like: "The environmental impact of deforestation can "be more significant than" initially estimated."

What are some alternatives to "be more significant than"?

Alternatives include "carry greater weight than", "hold more importance than", or "matter more than", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is more significant than" or "are more significant than"?

Use "is more significant than" for singular subjects and "are more significant than" for plural subjects. For example: "This detail is more significant than that one" versus "These details are more significant than those ones."

What's the difference between "be more significant than" and "be more important than"?

While both convey a higher degree of relevance, "be more significant than" often implies a deeper or more far-reaching impact, while "be more important than" focuses on immediate value or necessity.