they are important

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are important" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance or significance of a particular group of people or things. Example: The role of teachers in our society cannot be understated - they are important agents of change and play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they are important.

The Economist

They are important, though".

Independent

They are important to us.

The New Yorker

They are important documents".

The New York Times

However, they are important.

The Guardian

They are important to both sides".

The New York Times

They are important landmarks in American jurisprudence.

The New York Times

They are important for other reasons.

The New York Times - Science

"They are important for our safety".

The New York Times

They are important third-down receivers.

The New York Times - Sports

They are important to keep players focused.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, follow the phrase with a 'because' clause to specify why the subjects hold importance.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun 'they' has a clear and immediate antecedent. If the reader has to look back more than one sentence to find what 'they' refers to, repeat the noun instead to maintain clarity.

How to use

Learn how to use "they are important" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are important" serves as a declarative assertion using a linking verb to attribute a quality of significance to a plural subject. According to Ludwig, it functions primarily as a concluding or emphasizing statement in a logical argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are important" is an essential building block of English communication, noted by Ludwig AI for its high frequency in high-authority datasets. It effectively bridges the gap between simple observation and critical evaluation. While it is perfectly correct and widely used in both academic and journalistic contexts, its strength lies in its clarity. To elevate your writing, Ludwig suggests occasionally replacing it with more descriptive alternatives like "they are indispensable" or "they are pivotal" when the specific nature of the importance needs further clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are essential

Suggests that the items are absolutely necessary for a system to function

they are crucial

Emphasizes that the items are decisive for the success or failure of something

they are vital

Implies the items are indispensable or full of life-sustaining importance

they matter

Uses a verb structure for a more direct and impactful assertion of value

they are significant

Focuses on the items having a noticeable or measurable effect

they are pivotal

Highlights the items as the central point on which a situation turns

they are fundamental

Indicates the items serve as a base or core foundation

they are indispensable

Stronger than important, meaning they cannot be done without

they are noteworthy

Suggests they deserve attention or observation rather than just being necessary

they are paramount

Indicates they are more important than anything else in the context

FAQs

How do I use "they are important" in a sentence?

You can use it to refer back to previously mentioned plural nouns, as in: "These results show high variability; nevertheless, "they are important" for our final report".

What can I say instead of "they are important"?

Depending on your context, you could use "they are essential", "they are crucial" or "they are noteworthy".

Is "they are important" too simple for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, academic writers often prefer more descriptive terms like "they are paramount" or "they are fundamental" to provide more precise meaning.

What is the difference between "they are important" and "it is important"?

The choice depends on the subject's number. Use "they are important" for plural subjects (like "books" or "ideas") and "it is important" for singular subjects or abstract concepts.