what counts is

USAGE SUMMARY

"what counts is" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to something important when making a comparison to something else. For example: "Most people think education is the most important thing, but what counts is having a passion for what you do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What counts is maintaining momentum.

The New York Times

What counts is to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What counts is the spirit.

The New York Times - Magazine

What counts is the official myth.

The New Yorker

What counts is this," he says.

Independent

What counts is having somewhere to shop.

The Economist

"What counts is the here and now.

The Guardian

What counts is: what have you done?

The Guardian

What counts is that they've done it.

The Guardian

What counts is where your vote goes.

The Guardian - Opinion

What counts is money and power.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what counts is" to clearly signal the most important aspect of a situation, especially when contrasting it with less relevant details. This helps focus the reader's attention on the core message.

Common error

Avoid using "what counts is" when simply stating a fact without implying comparison or prioritization. Overuse can diminish its impact; reserve it for instances where distinguishing importance is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what counts is" functions as a focusing device, highlighting the most significant element or aspect within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it contrasting different elements to emphasize priority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what counts is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's effective in contrasting elements to focus attention on what truly matters. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. Remember to use it when prioritization is key, and avoid overuse in simple factual statements. Consider alternatives like "what matters is" or "the key thing is" to vary your language and maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what matters is

Focuses on the significance of something, similar to "what counts is" but with a slightly broader scope.

the key thing is

Highlights the central or most crucial element.

the important thing is

Emphasizes the significance of something, like "what counts is", but more direct.

the main point is

Directs attention to the primary idea or takeaway.

the crucial factor is

Pinpoints the decisive element influencing an outcome.

the bottom line is

Indicates the ultimate or most significant consideration.

the real issue is

Draws attention to the fundamental problem or concern.

it boils down to

Reduces a complex situation to its essential elements.

essentially

Points to the core essence or most important aspect.

above all else

Highlights the supreme importance of something over everything else.

FAQs

How can I use "what counts is" in a sentence?

Use "what counts is" to emphasize the most important factor in a particular situation. For instance, "While skills are important, "what counts is" dedication and a willingness to learn."

What phrases are similar to "what counts is"?

Alternatives to "what counts is" include phrases like "what matters is", "the key thing is", or "the important thing is", depending on the specific context.

Is "what counts is" formal or informal?

"What counts is" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone rather than the phrase itself.

Can I use "what counts are" instead of "what counts is"?

No, "what counts are" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. "What counts is" is the standard and correct form when referring to a singular, overarching factor or principle.