what is important

USAGE SUMMARY

"what is important" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
Here is an example sentence: "Success in business often depends on understanding what is important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's what is important".

The New York Times

This is what is important.

The Economist

What is important?'" she said.

The New York Times

What is important is your economic loss".

The New York Times

However, what is important is their will.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is what is important, not politicking.

The New York Times

What is important is the institution".

The New York Times

What is important is balance.

University of California, Berkeley

"That's what is important for me now.

The New York Times

You find out what is important".

The New York Times

Faith, he said, is what is important.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is important", ensure the context clearly defines the subject or situation to which the importance is being attributed. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "what is important" excessively in long or complex sentences as it can lead to redundancy. Rephrase to use more concise alternatives to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is important" functions as a nominal clause, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and versatile. Examples show it introducing key concepts or highlighting priorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is important" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to emphasize significance and direct attention to key elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It appears frequently across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing and general conversation, though its frequency is highest in news sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the subject to which importance is attributed and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Alternatives like "what matters" or "what is essential" can offer stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what matters

Focuses on relevance or significance.

what is essential

Emphasizes necessity or fundamental nature.

what is crucial

Highlights the critical or decisive aspect.

what is significant

Indicates notable or consequential value.

what is vital

Stresses the life-sustaining or indispensable quality.

what takes precedence

Indicates order of importance or priority.

what should be prioritized

Highlights the act of assigning importance.

what warrants attention

Focuses on meriting consideration or notice.

the key thing is

Highlights the most important aspect.

the main thing is

Focuses on the most important aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what is important" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "what matters", "what is essential", or "what is crucial" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "what is important" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "what is important" at the beginning of a sentence, especially when it functions as a subject or introduces a key idea. For example: "What is important is that we remain focused on our goals."

What's the difference between "what is important" and "what is significant"?

While both phrases convey value, "what is important" generally refers to something of considerable value or relevance, whereas "what is significant" often points to something that has a notable effect or consequence.

How can I emphasize "what is important" in my writing?

To emphasize "what is important", you can use techniques such as bolding the phrase, placing it at the beginning or end of a sentence for impact, or providing clear and compelling reasons why it holds importance.