more significant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "more significant" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare two things of importance and emphasize the higher importance of one over the other. For example, "The impact of the flooding on the local community was more significant than the economic impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More significant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are more significant challenges.

The New Yorker

Korea's substitutes were more significant.

The Guardian - Sport

Dallas's trade was more significant.

The New York Times - Sports

More significant, perhaps, is money.

The Guardian

"It's just more significant now".

The New York Times

There was something more significant.

The Guardian - Opinion

The more significant reason, however, is regulation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Other changes have been more significant.

The New York Times - Tech

Some tariffs are more significant than others.

The New York Times

More significant were the long-term effects.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, clearly articulate why one is "more significant" than the other. Provide specific reasons or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "more significant" without adequate justification. Ensure the context genuinely warrants a stronger emphasis on importance; otherwise, opt for a more neutral term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more significant" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a higher degree of importance or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more significant" is a grammatically sound and widely used comparative adjective phrase that serves to emphasize the greater importance of one item over another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and appropriate across various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear justification for the heightened importance. Alternatives like "more substantial", "more consequential", or "more critical" may offer nuanced shades of meaning depending on the specific context. Overall, "more significant" is a valuable tool for highlighting relative importance in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more important

A simpler, more direct synonym that lacks the nuance of "more significant".

more consequential

Emphasizes the results or effects that follow, adding a layer of impact not always present in "more significant".

more critical

Highlights the essential nature of something, suggesting it is indispensable, whereas "more significant" implies importance.

more crucial

Similar to "more critical" but often implies a turning point or decisive moment.

more substantial

Focuses on the tangible or measurable impact, differing from the broader implications of "more significant".

more profound

Suggests a deeper, more far-reaching effect compared to "more significant".

more vital

Stresses the necessity for survival or success, adding a sense of urgency not inherent in "more significant".

of greater import

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing greater significance.

more telling

Emphasizes that something reveals important information, an aspect not directly conveyed by "more significant".

more weighty

Implies a heavier burden or responsibility, which is a specific type of significance.

FAQs

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

Use "more significant" to compare two things, indicating one has greater importance or impact. For example, "The long-term consequences are "more significant" than the immediate benefits."

What's the difference between "more significant" and "more important"?

While similar, "more significant" often implies a deeper or wider-ranging impact than "more important", suggesting lasting consequences.

Which is correct: "more significant" or "most significant"?

"More significant" compares two items; "most significant" identifies the single most important item from a group. Choose based on whether you're comparing or identifying the top item.

What can I say instead of "more significant"?

Depending on the context, you could use "more substantial", "more critical", or "more consequential" to convey a similar meaning.