B2 Expression Neutral 2 min de lectura

The important thing to remember is

Presentation and public speaking expression

Use this phrase to ensure your listener remembers your most essential message above all else.

En 15 segundos

  • A verbal highlighter for your most vital point.
  • Used to focus the listener's attention during long explanations.
  • Common in business, teaching, and giving friendly advice.

Significado

This phrase acts like a verbal highlighter for your listener. It signals that you are about to say the most crucial piece of information in the whole conversation.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Giving travel advice

The important thing to remember is to keep your passport in the hotel safe.

The important thing to remember is to keep your passport in the hotel safe.

🤝
2

In a business meeting

The important thing to remember is that our budget is strictly limited this month.

The important thing to remember is that our budget is strictly limited this month.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a party

The important thing to remember is: don't bring any peanuts because Sarah is allergic!

The important thing to remember is: don't bring any peanuts because Sarah is allergic!

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase reflects the Western communication preference for 'signposting.' It helps listeners navigate a long speech or conversation. It became a hallmark of effective public speaking and corporate leadership in the late 20th century.

💡

The Power of the Pause

After you say 'is', wait for one second. This silence makes the next words sound much more important to your audience.

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this phrase three times in one paragraph, it starts to sound like you are lecturing. Save it for the 'Big One'.

En 15 segundos

  • A verbal highlighter for your most vital point.
  • Used to focus the listener's attention during long explanations.
  • Common in business, teaching, and giving friendly advice.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as a spotlight. You use it when you want to make sure your main point doesn't get lost. It tells your audience to pay extra attention right now. It is a tool for clarity and focus.

How To Use It

You usually place this phrase at the beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for the big reveal. Follow it with the word is and then your main point. For extra impact, try a tiny pause after saying is. It builds a little bit of healthy suspense.

When To Use It

This is a superstar in presentations and meetings. Use it when you are summarizing a complex idea. It is also great when giving advice to a friend. If you are teaching someone a new skill, use it for the 'golden rule' of that task. It helps people feel less overwhelmed by details.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this for every single sentence. If everything is 'the important thing,' then nothing is. It can sound a bit repetitive or even condescending if overused. Avoid it in very brief, casual texts like See you soon. It is too heavy for a simple greeting.

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking cultures, directness is highly valued. People appreciate it when you get to the point quickly. This phrase is a polite way to be direct. It shows you value the listener's time by identifying the 'must-know' info. It’s a staple of leadership and coaching styles.

Common Variations

You might hear people say The key thing is or The main takeaway is. If you want to be shorter, just say The important thing is. In very casual settings, you might hear The big thing to remember is.

Notas de uso

This phrase is incredibly versatile, sitting right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe for the office, the classroom, or the dinner table. Just be careful not to sound like a broken record by using it too frequently.

💡

The Power of the Pause

After you say 'is', wait for one second. This silence makes the next words sound much more important to your audience.

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

If you use this phrase three times in one paragraph, it starts to sound like you are lecturing. Save it for the 'Big One'.

💬

The 'Bottom Line' Culture

In US business culture, people often ask for 'the bottom line'. This phrase is the perfect way to provide exactly that.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Giving travel advice
🤝

The important thing to remember is to keep your passport in the hotel safe.

The important thing to remember is to keep your passport in the hotel safe.

Highlights the most critical safety tip for a traveler.

#2 In a business meeting
💼

The important thing to remember is that our budget is strictly limited this month.

The important thing to remember is that our budget is strictly limited this month.

Sets a clear boundary for a professional discussion.

#3 Texting a friend about a party
😊

The important thing to remember is: don't bring any peanuts because Sarah is allergic!

The important thing to remember is: don't bring any peanuts because Sarah is allergic!

Uses the phrase to emphasize a vital safety warning in a casual way.

#4 A humorous warning to a roommate
😄

The important thing to remember is that the left burner on the stove is haunted.

The important thing to remember is that the left burner on the stove is haunted.

Uses a formal structure for a silly or exaggerated warning.

#5 Comforting someone after a failure
💭

The important thing to remember is that you gave it your absolute best effort.

The important thing to remember is that you gave it your absolute best effort.

Refocuses the person's attention on their effort rather than the result.

#6 Teaching a child to bake
🤝

The important thing to remember is to always wash your hands before touching the dough.

The important thing to remember is to always wash your hands before touching the dough.

Establishes a fundamental rule for a beginner.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence to emphasize the deadline.

___ that the project must be submitted by midnight.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: The important thing to remember is

This is the standard introductory phrase used to highlight a specific fact or requirement.

Choose the best word to complete the phrase.

The important thing ___ remember is to have fun!

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: to

The phrase always uses the infinitive form 'to remember' in this specific structure.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of Emphasis Phrases

Casual

Used with close friends.

The big thing is...

Neutral

Works in almost any situation.

The important thing to remember is...

Formal

Used in high-level speeches or documents.

It is of paramount importance to note that...

Where to use 'The important thing to remember is'

The important thing to remember is
🎤

Public Speaking

Highlighting your main conclusion.

🗺️

Giving Directions

Making sure they don't miss the turn.

👪

Parenting

Teaching a safety rule.

💼

Workplace

Clarifying a project goal.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Not at all! While it looks long on paper, it flows naturally in speech. If you want it shorter, you can just say The important thing is....

Yes, you can say The important thing to remember is that.... It is very common and sounds perfectly natural.

It can if your tone is harsh. However, if you use a warm or helpful tone, it sounds like you are being supportive and clear.

Yes, it works well in a conclusion. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer It is essential to note that....

The key is is slightly more informal and punchy. The important thing to remember is feels a bit more instructional.

Absolutely! It’s a great way to wrap up a long story by giving the 'moral' or the main point.

Yes, it is a very common sentence starter in English. It functions as the subject of your sentence.

Technically yes, but it’s very rare. Usually, we use this phrase to highlight things we *should* keep in mind.

No, you can also say The important thing to consider is... or The important thing to note is....

You can add the word 'most'. For example: The most important thing to remember is....

Frases relacionadas

The key takeaway is

The most important lesson or information from a presentation.

What matters most is

Focusing on the highest priority or value.

Keep in mind that

A gentler way to ask someone to remember a specific fact.

Above all

Used to introduce the most significant point in a list.

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