important person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "important person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who holds significance or influence in a particular context, such as in social, professional, or political situations. Example: "The event was attended by several important people, including the mayor and local business leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's an important person".

The Guardian

-- a very, very important person.

The New York Times

I'm a very important person.

The Guardian

Goodnight, Very Important Person moon.

The New Yorker

You know, a very important person, still.

The New Yorker

"John was a very important person.

The Guardian

I am not an important person.

The Guardian

"I felt like a very important person".

The New Yorker

Mr. Snoozleberg is a very important person.

The New York Times - Tech

It's really for your most important person".

The New York Times

"He wouldn't have killed some important person.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "important person", consider the specific context and choose a more descriptive alternative if possible to convey the nature of their importance (e.g., "influential leader" instead of just "important person").

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the generic term "important person" in formal documents. Instead, specify the individual's role or attribute that makes them significant, such as "key stakeholder" or "lead researcher".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "important person" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying an individual of significance. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "important person" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to someone who holds significance or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news and media, being more specific with alternatives like "influential person" or "significant individual" can enhance clarity. Overusing it in formal writing should be avoided for precise language. The phrase appears frequently in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influential person

Focuses on the power to affect others.

significant individual

Emphasizes the individual's impact or consequence.

person of note

Simple and direct way of saying someone is noteworthy.

prominent figure

Suggests high visibility and importance in a specific field.

person of consequence

Indicates someone whose actions and decisions have a significant impact.

notable figure

Highlights public recognition and fame.

esteemed individual

Conveys respect and high regard.

key player

Highlights a crucial role in a process or organization.

leading light

Implies inspiration and guidance to others.

VIP

Acronym for Very Important Person, usually used in customer-facing contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "important person" to describe someone who has influence, authority, or significance in a particular context. For example: "The conference was attended by several "influential people", including government officials and industry leaders."

What are some alternatives to "important person"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "significant individual", "notable figure", "influential person", or "key player".

Is it better to say "important person" or "influential person"?

The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Important person" is a more general term, while "influential person" specifically highlights someone's capacity to affect or shape outcomes. Consider which aspect you want to emphasize.

What does it mean when someone is referred to as a "very important person" (VIP)?

A "very important person" (VIP) is someone who is given special treatment or privileges due to their status, rank, or influence. This term is often used in customer service, travel, or event management contexts.