not very important

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very important" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it when expressing a lack of importance of something. For example, "This issue is not very important compared to other pressing matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The answer: "Not very important".

The New York Times - Sports

No, it's not very important.

The Guardian

"The figure is not very important.

The New York Times

The plot is not very important.

The New York Times - Books

Right now, it's not very important.

The New Yorker

"My emotions are not very important.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not very important to go now," Mr. Kauser said.

The New York Times

But that fact is not very important now.

The New York Times

"My hair is not very important to me".

The New York Times

"In the establishment mind, this issue is not very important.

The New York Times

He said: "My emotions are not very important.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very important", ensure the context clearly indicates what it is being compared to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not very important" when the subject is genuinely critical. Choose language that accurately reflects the actual level of significance to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very important" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by expressing a diminished level of significance. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not very important" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has limited significance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources and is considered to have a neutral register, suitable for various contexts where downplaying significance is needed. While alternatives exist, the phrase remains a straightforward and frequently used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of minor importance

Directly states that the importance of something is small or secondary.

not a high priority

Focuses on the low level of importance in terms of what needs attention first.

of little consequence

Highlights the lack of important effects or results from something.

hardly matters

Expresses that something has little to no impact or significance.

inconsequential

Formally expresses that something is completely unimportant or irrelevant.

relatively insignificant

Emphasizes that something is less significant when compared to other things.

doesn't carry much weight

Implies something lacks influence or significance in a decision or situation.

not particularly relevant

Indicates that something doesn't have a strong connection or bearing on the matter at hand.

secondary consideration

Indicates that something is a lower priority compared to other concerns.

somewhat trivial

Suggests something is insignificant and lacks seriousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "not very important" to downplay the significance of something, like "The color of the walls is "not very important" compared to the structural integrity of the building."

What are some alternatives to saying "not very important"?

Alternatives include phrases like "of minor importance", "relatively insignificant", or "hardly matters", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "not very important" in formal writing?

While "not very important" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "inconsequential" or "of little consequence" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "not very important" and "unimportant"?

"Unimportant" suggests a complete lack of significance, while "not very important" implies a lesser degree of importance. The latter suggests it has some, albeit minimal, relevance.