The Last Word
Speaking skill

Importance & Value

The word "important" gets overused in Speaking tests - students say it, repeat it, and never actually explain it. This page shows you how to say how important something is, what it's important for, and how to compare two things instead of just picking one.

This is the quick-fix version — see the full guide →
Common mistake

When "Yes, it's important" is all you say

"Why isn't 'Yes, it's important' a good enough answer?"

It answers the question, but the word "important" on its own tells the examiner nothing - show how important with a stronger degree word, then say exactly what it's important for.

Why this works
— Say how important, not just that it's important Swapping the flat word "important" for a degree phrase like "terribly important" or "important to a point, but..." shows a real opinion instead of a yes/no answer.
— Say exactly what it's important for The pattern "X is important for + verb-ing" or "X helps us (to) + verb" forces you to name the real benefit instead of just asserting importance.
Weak
Yes, it's important.
Upgraded
Yes, it's terribly important - playing sports is important for keeping children active, and it also teaches them how to work as part of a team.
Weak
Yes, I think it's important.
Upgraded
It's important to a point, but for me it mostly comes down to respect - being polite helps you get along with people, especially strangers.
Weak
Yes, the internet is important.
Upgraded
The internet's incredibly important to me, particularly for staying in touch with friends and finding information quickly.
Common mistake

Comparing what matters more

"How do I answer 'Which is more important, X or Y?' without just picking one?"

Don't just name a winner - use a direct "X is more important than Y" comparison phrase so the examiner hears you actually weighing the two things, then give one concrete reason why.

Why this works
— Use a direct "X than Y" comparison phrase Phrases like "X should take precedence over Y" or "X is of greater importance than Y" name both things and the relationship between them, not just a winner.
— Add one concrete reason for the ranking A single specific reason ("because...") turns a personal preference into a justified opinion the examiner can follow.
Weak
I think salary is more important.
Upgraded
For me, salary should take precedence over job satisfaction, at least early on, because you need financial security before you can afford to think about whether you actually enjoy the work.
Weak
Family is more important than friends.
Upgraded
I'd say family is undoubtedly of greater importance than friends, because family is who you can rely on no matter what happens.
Weak
I think saving money is more important than travelling.
Upgraded
Honestly, I think travelling is more important than saving money, because the experiences you get from seeing new places stay with you for life.
Common mistake

Escaping the "very important" loop

"Is it okay to just keep saying 'very important'?"

It's correct, but repeating "very important" every time sounds flat - rotate in other degree words like "incredibly important", "particularly important" or "fairly important", matched to how strongly you actually feel.

Why this works
— Rotate through different degree adverbs Swapping "very" for "incredibly", "particularly", "considerably" or "fairly" shows real vocabulary range instead of one repeated intensifier.
— Pick a word that matches how important it actually is "Fairly important" and "exceedingly important" aren't interchangeable - choosing accurately across the full range makes your opinion sound genuine, not just decorated.
Weak
I think history is very important.
Upgraded
I'd say history is incredibly important, mainly because it helps us understand why things in the present are the way they are.
Weak
Travelling is very important to me.
Upgraded
Travelling is particularly important to me - it's probably the thing I save most of my money for every year.
Weak
Having a hobby is very important.
Upgraded
Having a hobby is fairly important, I'd say - it's not essential, but it definitely helps you relax after a busy week.
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