ENGLISH
REFERENCE

the most important thing

fixed phr..
A2 Elementary Oxford

fixed phr.. the main point or the fact that matters more than anything else in a situation.

fixed phr.. a superlative noun phrase used as a pragmatic marker to prioritize a specific piece of information or a core requirement.


SIMPLE

The most important thing is to be on time.

CONTEXTUAL

When you are learning a new language, the most important thing is to practice speaking every day.

COMPLEX

While the budget and timeline are significant factors, the most important thing remains the safety of the workers on the construction site.

Usage

usually followed by the verb 'is' and then a 'to' infinitive or a 'that' clause.

Teaching tip

this phrase acts as a 'signpost' in conversation to help listeners identify the speaker's main priority; it is a useful tool for structuring short presentations.

Pitfall

The more important thing is...The most important thing is...use the superlative 'most' because you are comparing one thing against all other possibilities, not just one other thing.

© 2026 English Reference