More Importantly vs. Most Importantly – Which is Correct?

Both “more importantly” and “most importantly” are grammatically correct adverbial phrases, but they serve different purposes. “More importantly” is used for comparing two things or ideas, indicating a higher degree of importance. “Most importantly” is superlative, signifying the highest degree of importance among three or more items or in a general context.

More Importantly or Most Importantly – Which is Correct?

Both “more importantly” and “most importantly” are correct and valid in American English, but their appropriate use depends on the context of comparison. The core difference lies in the degree of emphasis they convey: “more importantly” is a comparative phrase, while “most importantly” is a superlative phrase.

You use “more importantly” when you are comparing two specific points, ideas, or factors, indicating that one is of greater significance than the other. It suggests an incremental increase in importance. Conversely, “most importantly” is used when you are highlighting the single most significant point among three or more options, or when you are emphasizing the ultimate, paramount factor in a general discussion.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The best trick to remember the difference is to think about the number of items or ideas you are comparing. Just like with adjectives (e.g., “tall,” “taller,” “tallest”), the rules for comparative and superlative apply:

• If you are comparing two things, use “more importantly.” (e.g., “This task is difficult, but more importantly, it’s urgent.”)
• If you are comparing three or more things, or if you are stating something is the absolute highest in importance, use “most importantly.” (e.g., “There are many reasons for success, but most importantly, hard work pays off.”)

Think of it as a “number of comparisons” test. If it’s a direct comparison between two, use “more.” If it’s the top of a group, use “most.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
More Importantly	Adverbial Phrase	Of greater significance; comparatively more crucial. Used when comparing two items or ideas.	The project is complex, but more importantly, it needs to be completed by Friday.
Most Importantly	Adverbial Phrase	Of the highest significance; supremely crucial. Used when identifying the single most crucial item among several, or generally.	To succeed, you need dedication, skill, and most importantly, a positive attitude.

How to Use More Importantly

“More importantly” is an adverbial phrase used to introduce a point that is of greater significance than a previously mentioned point. It signals a shift in focus to something that carries more weight in the discussion, often in a direct comparison between two factors or considerations. It’s commonly used to add a secondary, yet more critical, piece of information.

Example 1: The new software offers many features, but more importantly, it significantly improves user security.

Example 2: Eating vegetables is healthy, and more importantly, it provides essential nutrients for your body’s functions.

Example 3: He completed the task on time, and more importantly, he did so with exceptional quality.

Etymology of the word More Importantly

The phrase “more importantly” is a combination of the comparative adverb “more” and the adverb “importantly.” “Importantly” itself derives from the adjective “important,” which comes from the Old French important (meaning “significant, weighty”), ultimately from the Latin importare, meaning “to carry in, bring in, signify, matter.” The addition of “more” serves to intensify the degree of importance, making it comparative.

How to Use Most Importantly

“Most importantly” is an adverbial phrase used to highlight the single paramount factor or the highest degree of significance among several points, or in a general context. It introduces the primary, overarching consideration that outweighs all others. This phrase is often used to summarize the key takeaway or to emphasize the most crucial element in a list or argument.

Example 1: The new policy aims to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and most importantly, improve customer satisfaction.

Example 2: When learning a new language, consistent practice, immersion, and most importantly, patience are key.

Example 3: For a successful presentation, strong content, clear delivery, and most importantly, engaging with the audience are essential.

Etymology of the word Most Importantly

Similar to “more importantly,” “most importantly” combines the superlative adverb “most” with the adverb “importantly.” As established, “importantly” traces its roots through “important” to Latin importare. The addition of “most” signifies the highest possible degree of importance, marking it as superlative in its function.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts related to adverbs and comparisons can help clarify the usage of “more importantly” and “most importantly.”

• Comparative and Superlative Adverbs: Adverbs can be modified to show degrees of comparison. Comparative adverbs (like “more importantly”) compare two actions or qualities, while superlative adverbs (like “most importantly”) compare three or more, indicating the highest degree.
• Adverbial Phrases: Both “more importantly” and “most importantly” function as adverbial phrases. An adverbial phrase is a group of words that functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, often providing information about manner, place, time, or degree.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club. And more importantly, the third rule is: no shirts, no shoes, no service.” (Parodying a common speech pattern)
• “Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But most importantly, loved more than you know.” – A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)
• “We must protect our planet, and more importantly, ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.” (News article summary)
• “Success requires talent, perseverance, and most importantly, a clear vision of your goals.” (Business self-help book)
• “It’s not just about winning; more importantly, it’s about learning and growing from the experience.” (Sports commentary)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The new policy will save money, but _____, it will improve employee morale.
2. To achieve your dreams, you need passion, hard work, and _____, unwavering belief in yourself.
3. This decision affects our budget, and _____, it impacts our long-term strategy.
4. There are several reasons for the decline, but _____, it was due to a lack of innovation.
5. The storm caused property damage, but _____, it resulted in no loss of life.

Answer Key

1. more importantly
2. most importantly
3. more importantly
4. most importantly
5. more importantly

More Importantly Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Significantly	In a sufficiently great or important way as to be worthy of attention.
What’s more	In addition; furthermore; used to introduce an additional and often more important point.
Crucially	In a way that is of great importance.
Above all else	Pre-eminently; more than anything else (can sometimes function comparatively).

Most Importantly Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Above all	Before everything else; pre-eminently.
Primarily	For the most part; mainly.
Crucially	In a way that is of great importance, often indicating a pivotal point.
Paramountly	In a supreme or paramount manner; above all others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “more importantly” and “most importantly” be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot. While both convey importance, “more importantly” is comparative (comparing two things), and “most importantly” is superlative (identifying the single highest degree of importance among three or more, or generally).

Question 2: Is one phrase more formal than the other?
Neither “more importantly” nor “most importantly” is inherently more formal. Both are standard English adverbial phrases. The choice between them depends solely on the nuance of comparison you wish to express.

Question 3: What’s the difference between “important” and “importantly”?
“Important” is an adjective, meaning having great significance or value (e.g., “an important decision”). “Importantly” is an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating that something is done in an important manner or that the following statement is important (e.g., “Importantly, we finished on time”).

Conclusion

Both “more importantly” and “most importantly” are correct and valuable tools in the English language, each serving a distinct purpose. “More importantly” is used when you are comparing two specific points, highlighting that one carries greater weight than the other. “Most importantly” is reserved for emphasizing the single paramount factor among several, or when stating the ultimate, highest degree of significance. Mastering this distinction allows for greater precision and clarity in your communication. Using the correct phrase demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English, which, most importantly, enhances your credibility as a communicator.