the most significant

USAGE SUMMARY

"the most significant" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize something important. For example, "This new technology is the most significant development of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most significant: Maj.

The New York Times

Ballet Arizona ranks among the most significant.

The New York Times - Arts

The most significant is price.

The Guardian

The rollover problem was the most significant.

The New York Times

Fox had the most significant shake-up.

The New York Times

The most significant was a fellow foundling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Temperature remains the most significant variable.

Stanford University

It might be the most significant rollback.

The Washington Post

And that's the most significant point.

The Guardian - Tech

Take housing, perhaps the most significant example.

The New York Times

The latter is the most significant.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the most significant", ensure the context clearly defines what makes something significant. Provide specific details or examples to support your claim, enhancing clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "the most significant" as a generic superlative. Instead, reserve it for situations where you can convincingly argue for its superior importance over other factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most significant" functions as a superlative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is of the utmost importance or impact. Ludwig examples confirm its role in emphasizing key aspects across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the most significant" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the utmost importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academic" contexts. When using this phrase, remember to provide clear justification for your claim of significance. While alternatives like ""the most crucial"" or ""the highest priority"" exist, "the most significant" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey paramount importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most crucial

Highlights the decisive or critical aspect, suggesting a turning point or essential element.

the utmost importance

Highlights the highest degree of relevance, stressing extreme significance.

the principal

Stresses the main or primary nature, highlighting fundamental importance.

the paramount

Emphasizes the supreme or dominant nature, focusing more on hierarchical importance.

the greatest

Emphasizes the maximum extent or degree, indicating superiority in size or impact.

the foremost

Indicates leading position or the highest rank, emphasizing a top-tier status.

the preeminent

Signifies superior rank or excellence, highlighting outstanding qualities.

the cardinal

Focuses on fundamental importance, essential for a structure or system to function.

the overriding

Indicates a dominating or prevailing influence, emphasizing its supremacy over other factors.

the highest priority

Focuses on the urgency and importance requiring immediate attention.

FAQs

How can I use "the most significant" in a sentence?

Use "the most significant" to highlight something of utmost importance. For example, "The budget cut was "the most significant challenge" the company faced this year."

What phrases are similar to "the most significant"?

Alternatives include "the most crucial", "the paramount", or "the highest priority". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

Is it okay to use "the most significant" in formal writing?

Yes, "the most significant" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly conveys importance and is widely accepted in academic, professional, and news contexts.

What makes "the most significant" different from "significant"?

"The most significant" indicates the highest level of importance among several options, whereas "significant" simply means important. Using "the most significant" implies a comparative assessment.