what matters most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what matters most' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize what is most important in a certain situation or context. For example, "In this challenging time, what matters most is staying safe and looking out for one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's what matters most, really.

The New York Times - Sports

And that's what matters most.

The New York Times

It's what matters most".

The New Yorker

But older people know what matters most".

The Economist

And that is what matters most.

Independent

That may be what matters most.

The New York Times

What matters most is image".

The New York Times

What matters most is balance.

The New York Times - Food

This is what matters most.

The Guardian - Music

What matters most is innovation.

The New York Times - Arts

What matters most is reputation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what matters most", ensure the context clearly defines the specific situation or criteria being considered. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "what matters most" repeatedly in a single paragraph or short text. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "the most important thing" or "the key aspect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what matters most" functions as a subject complement, identifying the attribute or quality that is of greatest importance in a given context. It acts as a noun phrase, often followed by a verb such as "is" or "remains". Ludwig provides several examples that support this analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Lifestyle

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what matters most" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes the utmost importance in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and suitable for various writing styles. Predominantly featured in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register, making it adaptable across diverse scenarios. When employing this phrase, clarity in defining the specific context is key to maximizing its impact. Remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms for variation. Ultimately, "what matters most" is a valuable tool for highlighting priorities and focusing attention on crucial elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important thing

This alternative directly states the highest priority, similar to the query.

the main thing

A simpler way of saying what is most important, maintaining the core idea.

the highest priority

Indicates the top item on a list of importance, mirroring the query's meaning.

the key thing

Highlights the central or crucial aspect, akin to "what matters most".

the primary concern

Focuses on the main worry or area of attention, reflecting importance.

the most significant aspect

Highlights the weightiest element, similar in concept to "what matters most".

the crucial factor

Emphasizes a determining element, paralleling what is most significant.

the overriding factor

Emphasizes the factor that takes precedence, equivalent to the primary concern.

the bottom line

Focuses on the essential outcome or consideration, similar to the core importance.

the heart of the matter

Points to the core issue or most vital part, akin to what is truly important.

FAQs

How can I use "what matters most" in a sentence?

You can use "what matters most" to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. For instance, "In the end, "what matters most" is that you tried your best".

What are some alternatives to "what matters most"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the most important thing", "the key thing", or "the "primary concern" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "what is matter most" instead of "what matters most"?

No, "what is matter most" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""what matters most"", where "matters" is the correct verb form.

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

"What matters most" implies a higher degree of importance or prioritization compared to simply "what is important". It suggests the ultimate or defining factor.