most important thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most important thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to focus on the primary factor or point that should be taken into account. For example, "The most important thing to remember is to take regular breaks throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the most important thing".

The New York Times - Sports

It's the most important thing.

Forbes

That's really the most important thing.

The New York Times

The most important thing is helping Ukraine.

The Guardian

The most important thing is turnout".

The New York Times

"The most important thing is your safety.

The New Yorker

The most important thing is peace".

The New York Times

My health is the most important thing.

The New York Times - Sports

Hope — the most important thing in life.

The New York Times

A. It's the most important thing.

The New York Times

Your team is the most important thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most important thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what other things are being considered or prioritized. This provides a frame of reference and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "most important thing" without clearly establishing the basis for comparison. Without context, the phrase can sound vague and lack impact. Instead, specify why something is the most important in relation to other factors or goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most important thing" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It is used to identify and emphasize the element that holds the highest priority or significance in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct expression to use in your writtings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most important thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the highest priority or significance in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse settings, maintaining a neutral register. Its effective use involves providing clear context to establish the basis for comparison, thereby maximizing its impact. Alternative phrases include "chief priority", "key consideration", and "paramount concern", each offering slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid overuse without establishing context for clarity. With a high source quality score and examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC, "most important thing" remains a versatile and valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief priority

Emphasizes the top-ranked item in a list of priorities.

main focus

Highlights the primary point of attention or effort.

key consideration

Points out a crucial factor that must be taken into account.

prime objective

Focuses on the main goal or aim to be achieved.

principal factor

Emphasizes the leading cause or influence.

paramount concern

Highlights the chief or dominant worry or consideration.

overriding concern

Stresses the consideration that takes precedence over all others.

central aspect

Indicates a core element that is essential to the whole.

fundamental element

Stresses the basic and necessary part of something.

essential component

Focuses on the element that is indispensable for completeness.

FAQs

How can I use "most important thing" in a sentence?

You can use "most important thing" to emphasize the primary aspect or priority in a given situation. For example, "The "most important thing" is to remain calm during an emergency."

What are some alternatives to saying "most important thing"?

Alternatives include "chief priority", "key consideration", or "paramount concern", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the most important thing is important"?

Yes, it is generally redundant. Instead, try rephrasing to emphasize the importance directly, such as "The key is to focus on..." or "The "essential aspect" is...".

How does "most important thing" differ from "second most important thing"?

"Most important thing" denotes the highest priority, while "second "most important thing"" indicates the next level of priority after the primary one. This distinction helps to rank and structure the relative significance of different elements.