the important ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the important ones" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to specific items or individuals that hold significance or priority in a given context. Example: "In this project, we need to focus on the important ones to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We thrive on making our toughest goals the important ones and forgetting the smaller triumphs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They were pouncing on pucks and they got the important ones.

The New York Times - Sports

"I get all the important ones here," he said from his perch on a mild December morning, "the deans, the heads of all the different departments".

The New York Times

"It's forced us to act on e-mail immediately and put the important ones in folders.

The New York Times - Tech

Bryant made most of the important ones.

The New York Times - Sports

He was like an angel and saved the important ones.

Independent

He turns up to fete the important ones when they retire.

The Guardian

One of the important ones, the general said, was Ziyad Homsi.

The New York Times

The civil-rights songs were nevertheless what she called "the important ones".

The New Yorker

Not the important ones, like breaking the law or falling in love.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The human topics are the important ones; that's why we read Dostoevsky.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, immediately follow the phrase with a brief explanation or example that specifies why those particular items or individuals are considered "the important ones". This provides valuable context.

Common error

Avoid using "the important ones" repeatedly without providing enough specific context. Overuse can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or providing more descriptive detail about the items you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the important ones" functions as a nominal phrase, specifically acting as a determiner phrase where 'the' is a determiner and 'important ones' serves as the head, referring to specific entities already understood or specified in the context. Ludwig AI provides examples that show its use in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the important ones" is a grammatically correct and very common determiner phrase used to highlight key entities within a larger group. According to Ludwig AI, it is applicable across various registers, although more formal contexts might benefit from stronger synonyms. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating its widespread usage. When using this phrase, ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity and consider diversifying your language for more impactful writing. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's versatility and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the crucial ones

Emphasizes the critical and indispensable nature of the items or individuals in question.

the key ones

Highlights the essential or fundamental aspects being referred to.

the significant ones

Focuses on the notable and consequential aspects of the elements.

the vital ones

Stresses the life-sustaining or fundamentally necessary nature of the subjects.

the essential ones

Underscores the indispensable and basic requirements being considered.

the primary ones

Highlights the elements that are first in order of importance or rank.

the principal ones

Emphasizes the main or chief components being discussed.

the notable ones

Focuses on the things that are worth paying attention to or remembering

the major ones

Emphasizes the greater size, extent, or significance of the items.

the foremost ones

Highlights the elements that are leading or most prominent.

FAQs

How can I use "the important ones" in a sentence?

Use "the important ones" to refer to specific items or individuals that are significant within a larger group. For example, "In this project, we need to focus on "the important ones" to ensure its success."

What are some alternatives to using "the important ones"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the key ones", "the crucial ones", or "the significant ones".

Is it always clear what "the important ones" refers to?

No, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Without context, readers might not understand which specific items or individuals are being referenced. Ensure your writing clearly defines what constitutes ""the important ones"" in the given situation.

Can I use "the important ones" in formal writing?

Yes, ""the important ones"" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure that the context is well-established. In more formal contexts, consider stronger synonyms like "the essential ones" or "the principal ones" for added precision.