less important than

USAGE SUMMARY

"less important than" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to compare two things and indicate that one is not as significant as the other. Example sentence: "While education is important, it is less important than one's character and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's no less important than space.

The New York Times

Abstraction is less important than physicality.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet style was less important than substance.

The Guardian

Is this life less important than the afterlife?

The Guardian - Books

The content was much less important than the leak itself".

The New Yorker

Labels are often less important than trends, she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is a policy less important than the motive behind it?

The New York Times

"Meaning is less important than how cool it sounds".

The New York Times - Arts

These are startling figures, though less important than Sumner claims.

The Guardian

The user became less important than advertisers and Google itself.

The Guardian - Tech

The food is less important than the company, though.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less important than", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the reader understands the basis for the comparison. Provide context to clarify why one element is considered less important.

Common error

Avoid using "less important than" without specifying what the subject is being compared to. Always provide a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity and ensure the statement's meaning is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less important than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to establish a hierarchical relationship between two entities, indicating that one holds a diminished level of significance or relevance compared to the other. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less important than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to indicate that one thing holds less significance than another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Its communicative purpose lies in expressing relative importance, prioritizing information, and guiding the reader's attention. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register appropriate for professional or informative discourse. Remember to clearly define the basis for comparison when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. By considering these points, you can effectively utilize "less important than" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as crucial as

Directly contrasts the criticality of two elements, deeming one less vital.

not as vital as

Emphasizes that one aspect is less essential or necessary than another.

of lesser significance than

Formally indicates a lower degree of importance or consequence.

secondary to

Emphasizes a lower level of priority or dependence compared to something else.

subordinate to

Highlights a hierarchical relationship where one thing is under the authority or control of another.

ranks below

Expresses the concept of being in a lower position within a hierarchy.

pales in comparison to

Suggests that one thing diminishes in importance when contrasted with another.

outweighed by

Indicates that one thing is surpassed in importance or impact by another.

not the priority

Highlights a difference in priority, indicating that one item isn't the main focus.

ancillary to

Implies a supporting or supplementary role, indicating something is less central.

FAQs

How can I use "less important than" in a sentence?

Use "less important than" to compare the significance of two elements, indicating that one holds a lower level of importance or priority. For example, "While skills are valuable, character is "more important than" skills".

What are some alternatives to "less important than"?

You can use alternatives such as "secondary to", "subordinate to", or "not as crucial as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always subjective to determine what is "less important than" something else?

While the assessment of importance can sometimes be subjective, it should be based on clear criteria or context. Ensure you provide enough information to justify the comparison.

What is the difference between "less important than" and "unimportant"?

"Less important than" implies a comparison between two or more things, while "unimportant" suggests that something has little to no value or significance on its own. Something "less important than" something else still has some value, even if it's not the primary focus.