of secondary importance

USAGE SUMMARY

'of secondary importance' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is not as important as something else. For example, "While learning the material was important, the final grade was of secondary importance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Industry and commerce were of secondary importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The architectural aesthetics are of secondary importance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Essential, if of secondary importance to the fat used.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Throughout the nineteen-nineties, though, aids seemed of secondary importance.

The New Yorker

Who it goes to is of secondary importance to him.

The New York Times - Sports

Some scholars continue to think Thomas of secondary importance.

The New York Times - Books

Human rights concerns are now of secondary importance to trade.

The Guardian - Opinion

The beef qualities of the breed are of secondary importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of secondary importance are the elements sulfur, magnesium, and calcium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet for all the passion, the football is of secondary importance.

The Guardian - Sport

"What I'm playing is of secondary importance to what's coming out of the speakers," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of secondary importance" to clearly signal a distinction in priority, helping your audience focus on the most critical aspects first. For instance, "While cost is a factor, it's of secondary importance compared to safety."

Common error

Avoid using "of secondary importance" to dismiss valid concerns or belittle contributions. Ensure the context acknowledges their value, even if they aren't the primary focus. Saying "Your concerns are noted, but of secondary importance right now" can be improved by adding context: "Your concerns are noted and will be addressed, but are of secondary importance right now compared to the immediate safety risks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of secondary importance" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating that the modified element is not the primary focus or concern. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of secondary importance" serves to de-emphasize certain aspects relative to others, effectively guiding priorities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across varied sources like news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, making it versatile in both neutral and formal contexts. While common, consider synonyms such as "less significant" or "not a priority" for stylistic variation. Remember, using this phrase responsibly requires careful consideration to avoid diminishing valid points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary to

Similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different word order, still indicating lower importance.

less significant

Directly indicates reduced importance or consequence.

of lesser consequence

Emphasizes the reduced impact or outcome of something.

less crucial

Highlights that something is not as vital or essential.

not a priority

Emphasizes that something should not be focused on first.

not paramount

Indicates that something is not the most important or crucial factor.

subordinate to

Highlights a hierarchical relationship where something is lower in rank or importance.

not essential

Indicates something is not required or absolutely necessary.

ancillary to

Suggests something is supplementary or providing support, rather than being central.

peripheral to

Suggests something is on the edge or not central to the main focus.

FAQs

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

Use "of secondary importance" to indicate that something is less important than another thing. For example, "While the design is appealing, functionality is "of secondary importance"."

What are some alternatives to saying "of secondary importance"?

You can use phrases like "less significant", "not a priority", or "subordinate to" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "secondary to" or "of secondary importance"?

"Secondary to" and "of secondary importance" are very similar. "Secondary to" is more concise, while "of secondary importance" provides slightly more emphasis. Choose the one that fits best with the flow and tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "of secondary importance" and "of equal importance"?

"Of secondary importance" indicates that something is less important than something else, while "of equal importance" indicates that two or more things have the same level of importance. They are opposite in meaning.