There are a few English words that are very important. Because they are so important, we tend to use them too often.
The 100 commonest English words used in writing
Adjectives describe nouns. But if you use common English adjectives too much, what you say can lose its significance.
The common English adjective “important”
The useful adjective “important” is one of those overused, common English words. In business, we say “important” all the time.
“It’s important that the packaging is appealing.”
“This client is very important.”
“Social media is an important part of our Marketing strategy.”
Use alternative words to say “important” in business
I am not saying that you should never say the word “important”. However, it has many benefits if you sometimes use different English words to say “important” to describe something.
So, why should you use alternative English words to say “important” in business?
In the past, I have talked about the common English words “very” and “good” and how you can replace them, so you sound smart and interesting, and describe what you mean more precisely.
Alternative English words to say “very” in business
English words you can use instead of “good” in business
If you replace the word “important” every now and then, you will …
- avoid sounding repetitive
- expand your vocabulary
- sound more convincing
English words to say important in business
There are many adjectives in English with a similar meaning as “important” that you can use in business situations. Here are 9 English words to say something is “important” in business.
1) essential
Example: Good communication skills are essential for career success.
What does it mean?
If you want to be successful in your career, good communication skills are absolutely necessary. It is extremely important to know how to communicate well with others.
How do I pronounce it?
/ɪˈsɛnʃ(ə)l/
The word “essential” has three syllables. Remember that you don’t pronounce the ‘a’ and the last four letters are one syllable. You stress the second syllable.
2) crucial
Example: The CFO’s decision has been crucial to the project’s success.
What does it mean?
The decision made by the CFO of the company was of great importance. It determined an outcome. If something is crucial, it means that it is necessary for the success or failure of something.
How do I pronounce it?
/ˈkruːʃ(ə)l/
The word ‘crucial’ has two syllables. Remember that you don’t pronounce the ‘a’. The last four letters together form one syllable. You stress the first syllable, which is also a long sound.
3) indispensable
Example: He made himself indispensable to the Marketing team.
What does it mean?
He is completely necessary for the team to work well. His work and skills are very valuable, so they cannot be missing from the Marketing team.
How do I pronounce it?
/ɪndɪˈspɛnsəb(ə)l/
I know, the word ‘indispensable’ is a long word with five syllables, but don’t be afraid to use and say it. The word stress is on the third syllable. The vowel sounds are rather short.
4) meaningful
Example: You should only schedule a meeting with me if the purpose is meaningful.
What does it mean?
Meetings should have importance. If a meeting doesn’t have a purpose, it is not useful and will waste everyone’s time.
How do I pronounce it?
/ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl/
The word ‘meaningful’ has three syllables; the first syllable is long and stressed.
5) vital
Example: The corporate brand is vital to the product’s success.
What does it mean?
The brand is absolutely necessary for the product to be successful. It is an essential part of the product.
How do I pronounce it?
/ˈvʌɪt(ə)l/
The word ‘vital’ has two syllables. We stress the first syllable.
6) necessary
Example: We think it’s necessary to review the survey results before publishing.
What does it mean?
It is essential or needed to look over the survey results in order to do or achieve something.
How do I pronounce it?
/ˈnɛsəs(ə)ri/
The adjective ‘necessary’ has four syllables and you stress the first syllable.
7) significant
Example: We had a significant increase in sales over the last three months.
What does it mean?
The company can notice sales growth. This increase is meaningful and important to the business.
How do I pronounce it?
/sɪɡˈnɪfɪk(ə)nt/
The word ‘significant’ has four syllables and we stress the second syllable.
Remember: The vowel sounds in this word are short and the ‘i’ sounds are not long.
8) valuable
Example: We know how valuable market research is for product development.
What does it mean?
Market research is very useful. The information gained is helpful and gives important advice for developing new products well.
How do I pronounce it?
/ˈvaljʊb(ə)l/
The adjective ‘valuable’ has three syllables. We stress the first syllable. Notice that we don’t pronounce the second ‘a’.
9) useful
Example: The report gave us some useful information.
What does it mean?
The information is something that will help you to do or achieve something.
How do I pronounce it?
/ˈjuːsfʊl/
The word ‘useful’ has two syllables. You stress the first syllable, which has a long sound. The second syllable is rather short.
Memorize the new English words to say important
As always, we need to practice the new English vocabulary. I have created the flashcards below to help you study the new words effectively. Here, you can review the flashcards, practice the spelling, and take quizzes to memorize the new words:
Study the new vocabulary on Quizlet
Call to action
Which of these English words to say “important” in business are you going to use? How can you use the adjective in a sentence? Write a sentence in the comments below.
Happy learning!
