but too important

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but too important" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is significant or has a high level of importance, often in contrast to another point being made. Example: "I would love to join the meeting, but too important matters require my attention elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Looking at George North incidents; looks plainly concussed - you trust they followed protocol but too important & independent Drs needed.

Independent

Training newcomers to fly genetics is a complex and time-consuming task but too important to be left to chance.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it is too important.

The Economist

But this is too important to get wrong.

Independent

"I don't normally come out to deny reports, but this was too important".

BBC

"But it was too important a piece of history not to publish.

The New Yorker

Not that names were not used, but numbers were too important.

The New York Times - Sports

That needn't be decisive, but it's too important to be ignored.

The New York Times

But Sri Lanka is too important a country to be isolated from the West, the report argues.

The New York Times

But this is too important just to leave our schools and teachers to battle alone.

The Guardian

"I fully understand the consequences, but this is too important and we're having too good a season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but too important" to introduce a contrasting point that carries significant weight, particularly when the initial statement might suggest otherwise. This phrase effectively signals a shift in focus to something of high priority.

Common error

Avoid stacking intensifiers. While "but too important" is acceptable, phrases like "but way too important" can sound informal or redundant. Opt for stronger, single adjectives like "crucial" or "essential" for a more concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but too important" functions as a conjunctive phrase, introducing a contrasting element that holds significant weight. As noted by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the high degree of importance, often superseding a preceding point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but too important" is a grammatically correct conjunctive phrase used to emphasize the high significance of something, often in contrast to a previous point. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to underscore the critical nature of the subject. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for various forms of communication. While it is not as common as simpler alternatives, its use signals a deliberate emphasis on the outweighing importance of the topic at hand. Related phrases such as "but crucially important" or "but vitally important" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but crucially important

Emphasizes the critical nature of the importance, highlighting its decisive role.

but fundamentally important

Focuses on the foundational significance, indicating its role as a basic element.

but exceptionally important

Stresses the exceptional degree of importance, suggesting it surpasses typical levels.

but supremely important

Highlights the utmost level of importance, indicating nothing is of greater significance.

but significantly important

Emphasizes the considerable level of importance, showcasing its noteworthy impact.

but undeniably important

Highlights the impossibility of denying the importance, confirming its unquestionable role.

but exceedingly important

Stresses the extreme degree of importance, exceeding ordinary levels.

but vitally important

Focuses on the critical necessity, indicating it is essential for survival or success.

but absolutely critical

Highlights that it is crucial and indispensable, leaving no room for doubt or debate.

but of paramount importance

Emphasizes the supreme importance, indicating it takes precedence over everything else.

FAQs

How can I use "but too important" in a sentence?

You can use "but too important" to emphasize the significance of something in contrast to a previous point. For example, "I understand the risks, "but too important" matters require immediate action."

What are some alternatives to saying "but too important"?

Alternatives include "but crucially important", "but fundamentally important", or "but vitally important". These phrases offer varying degrees of emphasis on the significance of the subject.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but too important"?

Yes, "but too important" is grammatically correct. The word "but" serves as a conjunction, introducing a contrasting element while "too important" emphasizes a high level of significance.

What is the difference between "but important" and "but too important"?

"But important" simply acknowledges the significance, while "but too important" emphasizes the significance as outweighing something else. The addition of "too" indicates that the level of importance is particularly high.