more essential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more essential" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are attempting to make a comparison between two items or actions, with the word "more" indicating that one item or action has a greater degree of importance than the other. For example, "Exercising regularly is more essential to good health than eating junk food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or maybe baby boomers are more essential?

The New York Times

I couldn't imagine any more essential travel".

The New York Times

No tool was more essential than the ink pen.

The New York Times - Arts

Knowledge and innovation are probably more essential than ever before.

The Guardian

But, more essential still, the sport is cool.

The Guardian - Sport

Few Balanchine ballets are more essential than this.

The New York Times - Arts

Which makes MIT's mission all the more essential.

The Guardian

But Mr. Turner demonstrates something more essential in the continuity.

The New York Times - Arts

The peacekeepers' work is more essential than ever.

The New York Times

But secrecy is nowhere more essential than in foreign relations.

The New York Times

It was about human behaviour in a more essential way".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the importance of two elements, ensure the context clearly indicates what makes one element "more essential" than the other. For instance, specify the criteria or the outcome that highlights the increased necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "more essential" without a clear point of comparison. Vague statements lack impact. Always clarify what the subject is more essential than, or the specific context that makes it so.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more essential" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing is of greater necessity or importance than another. Ludwig's examples show its usage across diverse contexts, highlighting its comparative function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more essential" serves as a comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize a greater degree of necessity or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Business. When employing this phrase, clarity in comparison is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "more crucial", "more vital", and "more indispensable" offer subtle variations in emphasis. Ultimately, "more essential" is a valuable tool for prioritizing and highlighting relative importance in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more crucial

Emphasizes a critical point or requirement. It suggests something is decisive or vital for success or resolution.

more vital

Highlights the life-sustaining or fundamentally important nature of something. It suggests indispensability for survival or proper functioning.

more indispensable

Focuses on the absolute necessity of something, indicating it cannot be done without. It suggests an irreplaceable quality.

more critical

Indicates a pressing need or a turning point where decisions are crucial. It suggests a situation of high stakes.

more significant

Points out the importance or impact of something, emphasizing its notable effect or consequence.

more imperative

Stresses the urgency and obligation associated with something, implying a command or a non-negotiable requirement.

more fundamental

Refers to the basic or foundational nature of something, highlighting its role as a core element or principle.

more paramount

Indicates the supreme or dominant importance of something, suggesting it takes precedence over all other considerations.

more pivotal

Highlights the turning-point or decisive role of something, emphasizing its impact on the outcome or direction of events.

more consequential

Focuses on the resulting impact or significance of something, underlining its long-term effects or implications.

FAQs

How can I use "more essential" in a sentence?

Use "more essential" to compare the importance of two things, indicating that one is of greater necessity than the other. For example, "In a crisis, having a clear plan is "more essential" than having abundant resources".

What are some alternatives to "more essential"?

You can use phrases like "more crucial", "more vital", or "more indispensable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "most essential"?

While grammatically correct, "most essential" implies something is absolutely necessary above all else. "More essential" is used when comparing two items, while "most essential" suggests a superlative degree of necessity. Consider using "critical" or "paramount" as synonyms for "most essential".

What's the difference between "more essential" and "essential"?

"Essential" denotes something is necessary, while "more essential" indicates a higher degree of necessity when compared to something else. For example, "Water is essential for life, but in a desert, finding shelter is "more essential"".