not really important

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not really important" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to downplay the significance of something in a conversation or text. Example: "While I appreciate your feedback, I think that point is not really important to the overall discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Finally, questions regarding the importance attributed to certain aspects of health care are posed (not really important, of some importance, of substantial importance, of the utmost importance).

BMC Health Services Research

The beginning Pokémon trainer will not understand the importance of switching because it is not really important in-game.

WikiHow

So it is not really important.

The Guardian

It's not really important, is it?

The Guardian - Sport

It's not really important but I like to do it".

Independent

"Yes," says Redgrave today, "but that's not really important.

The Guardian

"It is not really important how many medals we win.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not really important what role we serve in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Fidelity isn't really important," he says.

The New York Times

Life lessons aren't really important.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It isn't really important what I think.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When downplaying the importance of something, consider the context. Using "not really important" can soften potential disagreements or redirect focus to more relevant aspects. This approach maintains a collaborative and constructive tone.

Common error

Avoid overusing "not really important" in close succession. Repetitive use can diminish the impact and make your writing sound monotonous. Diversify your vocabulary by using alternatives like "not particularly important" or "of little importance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not really important" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that describes a noun or idea. It serves to qualify or diminish the significance attributed to that noun, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not really important" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something lacks significance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjectival phrase to downplay relevance across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "not particularly important" or "of little importance" exist, this phrase offers a slightly informal yet widely acceptable means of softening a statement. Effective use involves considering context and avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly important

Replaces "really" with "particularly", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

not especially important

Substitutes "really" with "especially", implying a similar level of insignificance.

not significantly important

Replaces "really" with "significantly", offering a slightly stronger emphasis on the lack of importance.

not all that important

Uses the idiom "all that" to downplay the importance, adding a colloquial touch.

of little importance

Employs a more formal structure to express the same lack of significance.

of minor importance

Similar to "of little importance", but with a slightly different choice of words.

not a big deal

Uses a very informal and direct expression to indicate something is not problematic.

not a major concern

Focuses on the lack of concern associated with the item, rather than its importance.

not of great consequence

Emphasizes the lack of significant impact or outcome.

beside the point

Indicates the item is irrelevant to the current discussion or situation.

FAQs

What does "not really important" mean?

The phrase "not really important" is used to indicate that something is of little significance or consequence. It suggests that the matter at hand is not crucial or essential to the overall situation or discussion.

How can I use "not really important" in a sentence?

You can use "not really important" to downplay the significance of a topic. For example, "While the details are interesting, they are "not really important" to the main issue."

What are some alternatives to "not really important"?

Alternatives include "not particularly important", "not very important", "of little importance", or "insignificant". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "not important" or "not really important"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "not really important" often softens the statement. Saying something is simply "not important" can sound dismissive, while adding "really" can make the statement more tactful and less likely to offend.