extremely important
Very significant
Use this phrase when the stakes are high and you need someone's full attention immediately.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to highlight things that are high priority.
- Perfect for both professional emails and serious personal advice.
- Stronger than 'very' but still sounds natural and modern.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that matters a lot and cannot be ignored. It is used when a situation or task has high stakes or big consequences.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
It is extremely important that we sign this contract by Friday.
It is very significant that we sign this contract by Friday.
Giving health advice
Drinking enough water is extremely important during a heatwave.
Drinking enough water is very significant during a heatwave.
Texting a friend about a secret
It's extremely important that you don't tell Sarah about the party yet!
It's very significant that you don't tell Sarah about the party yet!
Cultural Background
This phrase gained massive popularity in the mid-20th century as corporate and scientific communication became more standardized. It reflects a Western cultural focus on hierarchy and prioritization in professional environments. While 'very important' is common, adding 'extremely' serves as a linguistic 'highlighter' to cut through the noise of daily information.
The 'One Per Conversation' Rule
Try to use this phrase only once in a conversation. If you use it too much, it loses its power and you sound stressed!
Don't use with 'Very'
Avoid saying 'very extremely important.' It is redundant. 'Extremely' is already stronger than 'very'!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to highlight things that are high priority.
- Perfect for both professional emails and serious personal advice.
- Stronger than 'very' but still sounds natural and modern.
What It Means
Extremely important is a powerful way to say something is vital. It goes beyond just saying something is good or needed. It means the thing you are talking about is a top priority. If you don't pay attention to it, things might go wrong. Think of it as the 'red alert' of descriptions. It grabs people's attention immediately.
How To Use It
You can use it to describe tasks, people, or even specific moments. It usually comes before a noun like meeting or decision. You can also use it after a verb like is. For example, This step is extremely important. It adds a layer of seriousness to your speech. It tells the listener, "Hey, stop scrolling and listen to this!"
When To Use It
Use it when you want to emphasize urgency or high value. It works great in a workplace when a deadline is close. It is perfect for medical advice or safety instructions. You can use it when giving a friend life-changing advice. Use it when the outcome really matters to you. It is the best choice for professional emails and serious conversations.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, silly things. If you say your choice of pizza topping is extremely important, people might laugh. It can sound a bit dramatic if used for every little detail. Avoid it when you are trying to be very casual or 'cool'. It sounds a bit too heavy for a relaxed party atmosphere. If everything is extremely important, then nothing actually is.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we often use 'intensifiers' like extremely to show emotion. People in the US or UK use this to sound professional yet urgent. It shows you are taking your responsibilities seriously. It is a common phrase in news reports and business leadership. It reflects a culture that values efficiency and clear priorities. It’s the polite way to say, "Do not forget this!"
Common Variations
You might hear people say critically important or vitally important. Some might use of the utmost importance in very formal settings. In casual talk, people just say super important. However, extremely important is the perfect middle ground. It is strong but doesn't sound like you are in a Victorian novel. It is the 'Goldilocks' of emphasis phrases.
Usage Notes
This is a 'safe' phrase that fits almost anywhere. It is neutral in formality, meaning it won't sound weird in a boardroom or at a dinner table.
The 'One Per Conversation' Rule
Try to use this phrase only once in a conversation. If you use it too much, it loses its power and you sound stressed!
Don't use with 'Very'
Avoid saying 'very extremely important.' It is redundant. 'Extremely' is already stronger than 'very'!
British Understatement
In the UK, people sometimes say 'quite important' when they actually mean 'extremely important.' Pay attention to their tone!
Examples
6It is extremely important that we sign this contract by Friday.
It is very significant that we sign this contract by Friday.
Shows a firm deadline in a professional way.
Drinking enough water is extremely important during a heatwave.
Drinking enough water is very significant during a heatwave.
Conveys urgency for safety and health.
It's extremely important that you don't tell Sarah about the party yet!
It's very significant that you don't tell Sarah about the party yet!
Adds drama and emphasis to a social secret.
It is extremely important that my socks match my tie today.
It is very significant that my socks match my tie today.
Using a serious phrase for a trivial thing creates humor.
It is extremely important to look both ways before crossing the street.
It is very significant to look both ways before crossing the street.
Used to teach a vital safety lesson.
Education is extremely important for the development of a country.
Education is very significant for the development of a country.
Standard way to introduce a major thesis point.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence for a high-stakes situation.
It is ___ important that you save your work before the computer restarts.
Saving work before a restart is a high-priority task, so 'extremely' is the best fit.
Which phrase makes this professional email sound more urgent?
This meeting is ___ for our project's success.
'Extremely important' clearly communicates that the meeting is a top priority.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Importance
Used with close friends.
Super important
Safe for any situation.
Extremely important
Used in legal or high-level business.
Of the utmost importance
Where to use 'Extremely Important'
Doctor's Office
Taking medicine on time.
Job Interview
Discussing your key skills.
Airport
Keeping your passport safe.
School
Studying for final exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is stronger. Use extremely important when you want to show that something is a top priority, not just a regular one.
Absolutely. It works well in texts like It's extremely important you call me back.
Not at all. It helps children understand that a rule, like holding hands while crossing the street, is serious.
You can use of paramount importance or of the utmost importance if you are writing a very formal letter.
Yes, you can say She is an extremely important member of our team. It shows high value.
Yes, it is a great phrase for academic writing to highlight a key concept or finding.
It can if you use it for small things like It's extremely important that I find my blue pen. Use it for things that truly matter.
Critically important usually means if this thing fails, everything fails. Extremely important is slightly more general.
No, that is a grammar mistake. You must use the adjective important after the adverb extremely.
Yes, it is used daily in American offices, schools, and news broadcasts.
Related Phrases
Crucial
Decisive or critical; the highest level of importance.
Vital
Absolutely necessary for survival or success.
Essential
A basic and necessary part of something.
Top priority
The thing that must be dealt with before anything else.
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