of no import

USAGE SUMMARY

"of no import" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that is not important or that has no relevance to the situation. For example, "The details of the previous case are of no import to this one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is of no import that the young boy was also a predator.

The New York Times

That there are other, livelier ways to play Mozart seemed of no import here.

The New York Times - Arts

The original suit, filed in 1995, seeks $6 million in damages, a figure Mr. Grosz's own lawyer, Martin Bressler, cheerfully acknowledges is of no import.

The New York Times - Arts

Galloway is often asked about his faith but refuses to answer, saying his religion is a "personal matter" of no import to his political activities.

The Guardian

If it seemed perverse that none of the potential No 6s was actually batting at six, it was of no import.

Independent

But then, Arianna Huffington didn't get to be Arianna Huffington without knowing how to work a room; it is of no import that this one just happens to be the ladies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

There is no import of fish meal, as Myanmar has good fish meal resources.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

There has been no import of live sheep from Poland to Finland, but it cannot be excluded that some Finnish landrace sheep might have been exported to Poland from Finland or from other countries.

BMC Veterinary Research

These changes, although annoying, are of no serious import.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My concession to my qualms is a few idiosyncratic distinctions (of no particular import).

The Washington Post

There were good dance moments in her work, but they were usually of secondary interest and choreographically of no lasting import.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of no import" in formal writing when you want to emphasize that something is not important or relevant to the current discussion. It adds a touch of sophistication to your prose.

Common error

Avoid using "of no import" in casual conversation. Its formality can sound out of place in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not important" or "irrelevant" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of no import" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that something lacks significance or relevance. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples where the phrase is used to qualify the importance of various subjects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of no import" is a grammatically correct expression used to signify that something is not important or relevant. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, the phrase is relatively uncommon, tending to appear in formal writing, news articles and academic discourse. Its function is to de-emphasize certain elements, directing attention to what truly matters. When considering alternatives, phrases like "of no consequence" or "irrelevant" can be used, but it's vital to maintain a register appropriate for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of no consequence

Replaces "import" with "consequence", emphasizing the lack of resulting effect or importance.

of no significance

Substitutes "import" with "significance", highlighting the absence of noteworthy quality or influence.

irrelevant

A single-word adjective replacing the entire phrase, denoting a lack of connection or pertinence.

unimportant

A single-word adjective substituting the phrase, stressing the lack of value or weight.

inconsequential

Emphasizes the lack of importance, suggesting that something has little to no impact.

beside the point

Indicates that something is not relevant to the matter being discussed.

not material

Indicates that something is not important or relevant to a decision or outcome.

not of any account

Highlights the lack of value or consideration that something deserves.

without importance

Expresses the absence of significance in a more explicit manner.

of little account

Indicates that something is not worthy of much attention or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "of no import" in a sentence?

You can use "of no import" to indicate that something is not important or relevant to the matter at hand. For instance, "The details of his personal life are "of no import" to his professional capabilities."

What's a simpler way to say "of no import"?

Alternatives to "of no import" include "not important", "irrelevant", or "inconsequential". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "of no import" formal or informal?

"Of no import" is considered a formal expression. In more casual settings, phrases like "not a big deal" or "doesn't matter" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "of no import" and "of no consequence"?

While both phrases mean something is not important, "of no import" focuses on the lack of relevance or significance, whereas "of no consequence" emphasizes the lack of impact or effect. They are largely interchangeable, but "of no consequence" might imply a future result, while "of no import" focuses on the present situation.