How to use "they are important"

What Does "they are important" Mean?

• The idiomatic meaning of "they are important" conveys that the items or concepts referred to by "they" possess significance, value, or relevance in a given context. It highlights their impact, influence, or necessity.
• The phrase itself is straightforward and doesn't have a complex origin story. Its meaning derives directly from the individual words.
• Register: Neutral

How to Use It

• The phrase "they are important" is grammatically flexible. It can be modified with adverbs (e.g., "they are very important"), negated (e.g., "they are not important"), and used in questions (e.g., "are they important?"). It often appears with prepositional phrases to specify why they are important (e.g., "they are important for our safety").
• What sounds unnatural is using overly formal or complex language in conjunction with this simple phrase. For example, saying "they are of paramount import" instead of "they are important" might sound stilted in many contexts. Also, using it without any context as to why they are important can leave the listener wondering.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from they are important on Ludwig.guru.

"But they are important." — The Economist

"They are important to us." — The New Yorker

"They are important for other reasons." — The New York Times - Science

"They are important to keep players focused." — The New York Times - Sports

"They are important, but is this always recognised?" — The Guardian

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/they+are+important

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
they matter	A more emphatic and personal way of saying "they are important."
they are significant	More formal and emphasizes the impact or consequence.
they count	Suggests that the items have a measurable impact or influence.
they are crucial	Highlights that they are essential or vital.
they are vital	Similar to "crucial," emphasizing necessity for success or survival.
they are essential	Suggests a fundamental need or requirement.
they are of consequence	Formal and emphasizes the importance of potential outcomes.

Common Mistakes

• A common mistake is using "they are important" in a context where a more specific word would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "they are important for the project," one could say "they are essential for the project."
• Another mistake is overusing the phrase, leading to repetitive writing. Varying the language with synonyms can improve the flow and impact of the message.
• Learners might incorrectly assume that all frequently used phrases belong to one of the listed categories. "They are important" is a basic construction, not a complex idiom, so it relies on context for nuance rather than having a fixed figurative meaning.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Idiomatic Meaning	Register	Avoid In
they are important	Something holds significance, value, or consequence.	Neutral	Situations requiring highly specific or nuanced language.

FAQs

Is "they are important" ever used literally, or always figuratively?

"They are important" is primarily used literally, meaning that the things referred to by "they" genuinely hold significance. However, the degree of importance can be subjective and context-dependent, lending a figurative nuance depending on the situation.

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How does "they are important" differ from "they matter"?

While both phrases express significance, "they matter" carries a stronger emotional weight, suggesting that something is important on a personal or ethical level. "They are important" is a more neutral statement of fact, whereas "they matter" implies a sense of care or concern.

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How can I avoid the common mistake of assuming all frequently used phrases are complex idioms?

Recognize that "they are important" is a simple grammatical construction whose meaning depends heavily on context. Focus on clarifying why they are important, rather than assuming the phrase itself carries hidden figurative meaning. Using more descriptive language will always enhance clarity.