but most importantly

USAGE SUMMARY

"but most importantly" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English and can be used in many different contexts.
For example, if you were writing a review on a restaurant you could say: "The service was good but most importantly, the food was excellent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But most importantly, to protect.

The New York Times

But, most importantly, we let you believe".

The New Yorker

But most importantly they want change.

Independent

But most importantly, was Black right?

The Guardian

But most importantly, Matthew gave much more.

The New York Times

But most importantly, tonight was about team".

The Guardian - Sport

"But most importantly, I am a Hindu.

The Guardian

But most importantly, he was like you.

The Guardian - Sport

"But most importantly, you: the customer".

The New York Times - Arts

But most importantly, do the actions too.

The Guardian - Opinion

But most importantly, it's not about me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the statement following "but most importantly" is concise and directly addresses the core message you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "but most importantly" within a single piece of writing. Frequent repetition can dilute its impact and make your writing sound monotonous. Consider using synonyms or alternative phrasing to vary your emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but most importantly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, used to signal a transition to the most significant point in a discussion or argument. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes the crucial element following a series of other considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but most importantly" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the most crucial point in a sentence or discussion. As Ludwig AI notes, it serves to prioritize information, directing the reader's attention to the key takeaway. While versatile across different registers, it is most frequently found in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure the subsequent statement is concise and impactful, and avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its emphasis. Alternatives like "above all else" or "most of all" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most of all

Highlights the greatest importance among other considerations.

above all else

Emphasizes prioritization but is generally more emphatic.

more significantly

Focuses on the level of importance, changing the adverb.

first and foremost

Emphasizes the initial and primary importance.

chiefly

A more concise way of indicating the main point.

primarily

Indicates the main concern or focus.

principally

Similar to 'primarily' but slightly more formal.

of utmost importance

Highlights the extreme significance of something.

fundamentally

Highlights the essential aspect.

at its core

Focuses on the central and most vital element.

FAQs

How can I use "but most importantly" in a sentence?

The phrase "but most importantly" is used to emphasize the most crucial point after mentioning other relevant information. For example, "The project was completed on time and under budget, but most importantly, it met all the client's objectives."

What are some alternatives to "but most importantly"?

You can use alternatives like "above all else", "most of all", or "primarily" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but"?

Starting a sentence with "but" is grammatically acceptable and commonly used in both formal and informal writing to introduce a contrast or qualification. Using "but most importantly" at the beginning of a clause is also grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "but most importantly" and "more importantly"?

"But most importantly" is used to single out the single most important aspect. On the other hand, "more importantly" simply indicates a higher degree of importance than previously mentioned points but does not necessarily denote the absolute most crucial element.