sort of important

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of important" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a degree of importance that is not absolute, indicating that something is somewhat significant but not critically so. Example: "While the meeting is sort of important, it’s not essential for everyone to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Now, how that isn't kind of something that might be sort of important to think about?

Cornell University

It's the sort of important accessory worn by women accustomed to being chauffeured around town.

The New York Times

When she does make eye contact, it's very specific and sort of important".

The New York Times

"We're doing that and he'll have some sort of important part to play in the next couple of games".

Independent

But I can't pretend I didn't harbor the hope that eventually — on my own — I'd prove that page some sort of important discovery.

The New Yorker

JE The Marriage Plot involves three characters recently released from college, and if I remember correctly, sex was sort of important back then.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

And they ignore all sorts of important third factors.

The Economist

This will become home to all sorts of important insects such as beetles and spiders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sport performs all sorts of important social functions, as you say.

The Guardian

"These are the sorts of important events that the Palomar Transient Factory was designed to uncover," said PTF principal investigator Shrinivas Kulkarni, a professor at the California Institute of Technology.

University of California, Berkeley

That goes particularly for its commercial chances at the Colony this week, with Broadway providing all sorts of important opposition in the "Greater Movie Season" line.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of important" to convey a nuanced level of importance. It suggests something matters without being absolutely essential.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "sort of important" without providing context. Clarify why something is important to give your writing more impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of important" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies the adjective "important". It softens the impact, indicating a degree of importance that is not absolute. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples where the phrase is used to express a qualified level of significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort of important" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a moderate degree of significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as an adverbial modifier, softening the impact of the adjective "important". It appears frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in academic and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, be mindful of providing enough context to clarify why something is "sort of important", as relying too heavily on vague qualifiers can weaken your writing. Consider alternatives such as "somewhat significant" or "moderately relevant" for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat significant

Emphasizes a moderate level of importance or impact, using 'significant' to highlight consequence.

moderately relevant

Focuses on the degree to which something is pertinent or applicable, using 'relevant'.

fairly crucial

Highlights the essential nature of something to a reasonable extent, employing 'crucial'.

kind of vital

Indicates a degree of necessity or indispensability, using 'vital'.

reasonably essential

Stresses the practical requirement of something in a qualified manner, using 'essential'.

relatively critical

Emphasizes the comparative importance of something in a particular situation, using 'critical'.

passably key

Suggests that something is adequately important or fundamental, employing 'key'.

somewhat imperative

Highlights a degree of necessity or obligation, using 'imperative'.

marginally consequential

Indicates a slight impact or effect, using 'consequential'.

slightly significant

Emphasizes a small degree of importance or impact, similar to "somewhat significant" but with even less force.

FAQs

How can I use "sort of important" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of important" to indicate that something has a degree of relevance or significance without being critical. For example, "While the meeting is sort of important, it's not mandatory for everyone to attend."

What phrases are similar to "sort of important"?

Alternatives include phrases like "somewhat significant", "moderately relevant", or "fairly crucial", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sort of important" or "important"?

The choice depends on the context. "Important" emphasizes the significance of something directly. "Sort of important" suggests a lesser degree of significance, implying it matters but isn't essential.

What's the difference between "sort of important" and "kind of important"?

The phrases "sort of important" and "kind of important" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. Both indicate a moderate level of importance.