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
In US business culture, 'extremely important' is often a 'call to action.' It means 'stop what you are doing and focus on this.' It is very direct. While the phrase exists, Japanese speakers might find it too blunt. They often use 'taisetsu' (precious/important) and rely on the listener to understand the 'extreme' part through context. Germans value precision. If they say something is 'äußerst wichtig' (extremely important), they mean it literally. They do not use it for small talk. In Brazil, 'extremamente importante' is used frequently in passionate speech to show sincerity and commitment in both personal and business life.
The 'Email Rule'
Use 'extremely important' in the first sentence of an email to ensure the recipient reads the whole thing.
Don't Overuse
If everything is 'extremely important,' then nothing is. Save it for the top 10% of your priorities.
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 'Email Rule'
Use 'extremely important' in the first sentence of an email to ensure the recipient reads the whole thing.
Don't Overuse
If everything is 'extremely important,' then nothing is. Save it for the top 10% of your priorities.
Pair with 'That'
Using 'It is extremely important that...' makes you sound more authoritative and clear in your writing.
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
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
It is _______ important to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
We need an adverb ('extremely') to modify the adjective ('important').
Which sentence is the most professional?
You are writing an email to your boss about a deadline.
'Extremely important' is the standard professional collocation.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'It is extremely important that you do not touch the red button.'
The phrase is used for high-stakes, critical safety warnings.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Should I bring the documents to the meeting? B: Yes, _______.
The standard structure is 'it is' + adverb + adjective.
Match the synonym to the context.
Match these:
These are all variations of the same concept with slight nuance changes.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
The Importance Scale
Practice Bank
5 exercisesIt is _______ important to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
We need an adverb ('extremely') to modify the adjective ('important').
You are writing an email to your boss about a deadline.
'Extremely important' is the standard professional collocation.
'It is extremely important that you do not touch the red button.'
The phrase is used for high-stakes, critical safety warnings.
A: Should I bring the documents to the meeting? B: Yes, _______.
The standard structure is 'it is' + adverb + adjective.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all variations of the same concept with slight nuance changes.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is stronger and sounds more professional in high-stakes situations.
No, 'extremely' is already at the top. Just say 'the most important' or 'extremely important.'
Yes, but it might feel a bit formal. 'Really important' is more common in texts.
'Critically' implies that if the thing isn't done, a system will fail. 'Extremely' is more general.
Yes, 'He is an extremely important person in my life.'
In American English, it's often a glottal stop (im-por-ant). In British English, the 't' is usually clearer.
It is neutral to formal. It's safe to use in almost any situation.
No, 'importance' is a noun. You must say 'of extreme importance.'
'Crucial,' 'pivotal,' or 'of paramount importance.'
Yes, it is very common in all varieties of English.
Only if you are being sarcastic. Otherwise, it sounds strange.
Usually no, unless it's part of a list of adjectives.
Related Phrases
crucial
synonymExtremely important, especially in the success or failure of something.
vital
synonymAbsolutely necessary or important; essential.
paramount
specialized formMore important than anything else; supreme.
of the essence
similarExtremely important, especially regarding time.
trivial
contrastOf little value or importance.
