of existential importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of existential importance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance or critical nature of something in relation to existence or being. Example: "The decision we make today is of existential importance for the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Low birth rate and the negative natural increase is a matter of existential importance for Estonia.

Princeton University

For all the airline industry's running battles with authority, it has had a good run on an issue of existential importance to carriers: consolidation.

The Guardian - Business

Virtual reality is about to hit the mass market, and it's not exaggeration to say that the next six months are of existential importance for the field.

The Guardian - Tech

The headlines had suggested he would be in his office at a desk or podium to share news of existential importance.

The New York Times

The outcome of the battle is of existential importance to Ukraine.Reformers are arming themselves with new institutions, such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which will have law-enforcement powers.

The Economist

For Sweden and particularly for Poland, whose future was decided in Yalta in 1945, drawing Ukraine away from Russia's sphere of influence and into that of the EU is of existential importance.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Intense threats, or their perception, demote plural influences in the lives of persons and communities alike and elevate a singular dimension to existential importance.

Huffington Post

Both Sweden and Poland have tried to persuade Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, of the existential importance of a Ukrainian deal for Europe.

The Economist

Rather, faith commits itself only beyond, and not against, the evidence and it does so out of epistemic concern to grasp truth on matters of vital existential importance.

SEP

For an industry supposedly of such existential importance to the UK, these are tiny sums.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even those scholars -- in the main Ashkenazi Jews -- whose research has helped us to better understand Sephardic history have presented their work in a manner that does not consistently speak to the existential importance of this history and how it could act as an important bridge linking Sephardic Jews to the Arab-Muslim world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of existential importance" to underscore the potential impact on existence or fundamental aspects of life. This phrase is particularly effective when discussing long-term consequences and profound decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "of existential importance" for minor issues or everyday situations. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the implications are genuinely significant and far-reaching. Using it too frequently can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of existential importance" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It highlights the critical and fundamental nature of something, emphasizing its significant impact on existence or core aspects of life. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its role in underscoring importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of existential importance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the critical nature of something concerning existence or fundamental aspects of life. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English, although it's best reserved for formal contexts and significant matters, as overusing it in trivial scenarios can diminish its impact. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, "of existential importance" serves to underscore substantial consequences. Alternatives like "vitally significant" or "fundamentally crucial" can be used depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critically important

Emphasizes the necessity of something for success or survival.

vitally significant

Highlights the essential and impactful nature of something.

fundamentally crucial

Stresses the foundational role of something.

absolutely essential

Implies that something is indispensable and cannot be omitted.

paramount importance

Indicates that something is of the highest significance or rank.

utterly indispensable

Highlights that something is completely necessary.

extremely consequential

Emphasizes the significant results or effects of something.

supremely critical

Points out the decisive and crucial nature of something.

decisively significant

Highlights the crucial impact on a decision or outcome.

inescapably vital

Stresses that something is unavoidably essential.

FAQs

How can I use "of existential importance" in a sentence?

Use "of existential importance" to describe matters that significantly affect existence or fundamental aspects of life. For example, "Climate change is a challenge "of existential importance" to humanity".

What are some alternatives to "of existential importance"?

You can use alternatives like "vitally significant", "fundamentally crucial", or "critically important" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "of existential importance" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "of existential importance" is a formal phrase. It is more suitable for academic, professional, or serious discussions than for casual conversation. In casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "of existential importance" and "of great importance"?

"Of existential importance" implies a direct impact on existence or fundamental aspects of life, while "of great importance" simply means something is very significant. The former carries a stronger, more profound connotation.