the vital thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the vital thing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to something very important or essential. For example: "Making sure everyone is safe is the vital thing in this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The vital thing is that the vibration itself be there.

The New Yorker

The vital thing that could be a setback for IoT would probably be the reliability issue.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The vital thing, lawyers say, is to pick the right public inquiries.

The Economist

The vital thing was to make the most of the moments of brightness.

The Guardian - Books

The vital thing is to stay in the loop and fully informed, and to present your talent and experience skilfully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The vital thing now is that these writers are offered long-term support from their agents and publishers.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Why do you not save out of your speech or thinking only the vital things — the spirited mot which amused or warmed you when you spoke it — because of its luck & newness.

The New Yorker

One of the vital things in selection is not to argue yourself out of backing your own instincts: the longer you spend second-guessing your gut feeling, the more blurred your thinking becomes.

Independent

"I would have written down only the vital things, not everything," Mr. Holm-Laursen said as he tapped his fingers on the hip-level display panel to double-check the address.

The New York Times - Tech

By contrast, my aim is to bring back into the study of war all the vital things they, and of course their amanuensis Clausewitz, have left out of it.

The New York Times - Books

She's quite strict". Despite Martin's reluctance, Louisa says Scott has helped the couple "figure out clear pictures for the vital things that we couldn't even talk about – finances, living arrangements, a parenting plan".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the vital thing" to clearly emphasize the most crucial aspect in a situation or argument. This helps focus the reader's attention on the key takeaway.

Common error

Avoid using "the vital thing" in overly simple sentences where a more direct and specific noun would be more impactful. For example, instead of "The vital thing is safety", try "Safety is paramount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the vital thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It emphasizes the crucial or essential aspect of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

11%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the vital thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for written English. While it appears across different contexts, from News & Media to Academic writing, its usage is most prominent in news articles. When writing, ensure that its usage is not redundant in simple sentences and that the context warrants highlighting a single, crucial element. Consider using synonyms for greater specificity when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the essential element

Replaces "thing" with "element", highlighting a necessary component.

the key aspect

Substitutes "vital" with "key" and "thing" with "aspect", focusing on a crucial element.

the most important factor

Replaces "vital" with "most important" and "thing" with "factor", emphasizing significance.

the critical component

Uses "critical" instead of "vital" and "component" in place of "thing", stressing a crucial part.

the crucial point

Replaces "vital" with "crucial" and "thing" with "point", underscoring a significant idea.

the fundamental issue

Substitutes "vital" with "fundamental" and "thing" with "issue", highlighting a basic problem.

the central concern

Uses "central concern" instead of "vital thing", focusing on a primary worry.

the heart of the matter

An idiomatic alternative to "the vital thing", emphasizing the core issue.

the crux of it

Replaces "the vital thing" with a more concise, idiomatic expression.

what truly matters

Shifts the focus to the concept of importance rather than a specific "thing".

FAQs

How can I use "the vital thing" in a sentence?

Use "the vital thing" to emphasize the most important aspect or consideration in a particular situation. For example, "In any emergency, "the vital thing" is to remain calm".

What are some alternatives to "the vital thing"?

Alternatives include "the essential element", "the key aspect", or "the most important factor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "the vital thing" formal or informal?

"The vital thing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more specific vocabulary might be preferred in formal writing.

When should I avoid using "the vital thing"?

Avoid using "the vital thing" when a more specific noun or phrase would provide greater clarity and impact. Overuse can also make your writing sound repetitive; consider using synonyms for variety.