important guest

USAGE SUMMARY

"important guest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who is distinguished, respected, and valued. For example: "We had the honor of hosting an important guest at the benefit dinner last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Jimmy, the most important guest, is late.

The New Yorker

The Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, was the most important guest on the podium next to Mr Putin.

Independent

One important guest was missing from the Tuesday night premiere of the film "Blue Jasmine": the director, Woody Allen.

The New York Times

We interrupt regularly scheduled programming to bring you this very important guest column from The Times's deputy science editor, Adam Bryant.

The New York Times

Then, five or six years later, when I made the same request in another Budapest Library, I was marched into the director's office as an important guest.

The New Yorker

But as far as the phalanx of publicists on duty was concerned, the most important guest was already there, busily sucking all the air out of the room.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Pick-A-Date" does this all in real time, giving greater importance to the schedules for the host and important guests.

TechCrunch

Ms. Zhang, a native of Dandong, in northeastern China, has earned excellent reviews in recent years and is taking on increasingly important guest-conducting assignments.

The New York Times - Arts

As he took on more and more important guest-conducting jobs around the world, the Los Angeles Philharmonic decided in mid-2006 thet he could be Esa-Pekka Salonen's natural successor.

The New York Times - Arts

But who are those important guests?

The New York Times

Important guests from America were expected to attend the event.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a synonym if "important guest" feels overused or doesn't quite capture the nuance you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "important" excessively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. For example, consider using "key" or "significant" as alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "important guest" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It is typically used to describe a person who is considered significant, valued, or influential in a particular context. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often denotes someone whose presence is considered an honor or benefit to an event or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "important guest" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe someone whose presence is highly valued. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread usage across news, academic, and professional contexts. While synonyms like "VIP guest" or "distinguished visitor" offer alternatives, "important guest" remains a straightforward and effective way to highlight the significance of an individual at an event. Remember to avoid overusing the word "important" and vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

VIP guest

This alternative uses the acronym VIP (Very Important Person) to denote importance.

distinguished visitor

This alternative emphasizes the visitor's esteemed reputation.

esteemed guest

This alternative highlights the high regard in which the guest is held.

honored guest

This alternative suggests that the guest is being given special recognition.

special guest

This alternative denotes a guest who is given particular attention or privilege.

principal guest

This alternative suggests the guest is of primary importance.

keynote speaker

This alternative refers to a guest who is a prominent speaker at an event.

celebrated guest

This alternative suggests the guest is well-known and admired.

visiting dignitary

This alternative is commonly used for guests who hold a high-ranking official position.

notable attendee

This alternative emphasizes the guest's significance among other attendees.

FAQs

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

You can use "important guest" to describe someone whose presence is highly valued at an event. For example, "The president was an important guest at the conference."

What are some alternatives to "important guest"?

You can use alternatives like "VIP guest", "distinguished visitor", or "esteemed guest" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "important guest" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to emphasize the significance of a guest's attendance or their value to the event. However, ensure that the term isn't overused.

Is there a difference between an "important guest" and a "special guest"?

While similar, "important guest" often emphasizes the person's status or influence, whereas "special guest" highlights the preferential treatment or unique role they might have at an event.