most importantly

USAGE SUMMARY

"most importantly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the most important point in a sentence. For example, "Most importantly, always make sure to double-check your work before submitting it".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most importantly.

The New Yorker

Most importantly: no war.

The New York Times

And – most importantly – simpler.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It added: "Most importantly, T.R.F.

The New York Times - Sports

Most importantly, it's see-through.

Independent

But most importantly, to protect.

The New York Times

Most importantly: know your budget.

Independent

Most importantly, they are British.

Independent

Most importantly, be open-minded.

The Guardian - Travel

Most importantly, they stay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most importantly, keep talking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most importantly" to introduce the single most crucial element in a list or explanation to ensure it stands out.

Common error

Avoid using "most importantly" repeatedly in close succession. This diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound redundant. Instead, vary your emphasis techniques with other expressions like "above all", "primarily", or rephrase to integrate the key point more subtly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most importantly" functions as a sentence adverbial. It modifies the entire clause or sentence, indicating the highest level of significance or priority for the information that follows. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most importantly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used sentence adverbial that serves to highlight the most crucial point within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various sources. While suitable for various registers, it's most commonly found in news media and general writing. For alternatives, consider phrases like "above all else" or "primarily". Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its emphatic impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first and foremost

Emphasizes the primary and most important consideration.

paramountly

This adverb strongly emphasizes that something is of utmost importance.

above all else

This alternative stresses the supreme importance of something over all other considerations.

at the top of the list

This idiom indicates that something is the highest priority.

of greatest significance

This emphasizes the paramount importance or consequence of something.

more than anything

This phrase underscores the superior value or preference given to something.

primarily

Focuses on the main or fundamental aspect, though it might not carry the same emphatic weight.

chiefly

Indicates the leading or principal reason or factor.

in the first place

Highlights the initial and often most critical point.

to begin with

Similar to 'in the first place', it marks the starting point and often the most essential element.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "most importantly" in a sentence?

Use "most importantly" to introduce the key takeaway or the most critical point you want your audience to remember. It works best when placed at the beginning of a sentence to immediately highlight the significance of the information that follows. For example, "Most importantly, ensure all safety protocols are followed".

What are some alternatives to "most importantly"?

You can use alternatives like "above all", "primarily", or "chiefly" to convey a similar sense of priority or significance depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "most importantly"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "most importantly" is grammatically correct and a common way to emphasize the subsequent point. It serves as an adverbial phrase that modifies the entire sentence, indicating its overall significance.

How does "most importantly" differ from "importantly"?

"Most importantly" emphasizes that the following point is of the highest significance compared to other considerations. "Importantly" simply indicates that the information is significant without necessarily implying it is the most significant. Therefore, "most importantly" carries a stronger emphasis.