The easiest way to avoid using “it’s important” so often in your writing is to delete it and simply say what is important.
It might sound like a trite fix, but the phrase can sometimes sound like an instruction or, at least, a strong recommendation.
A lot of the time, it’s just an empty fluff phrase we use by habit. Yes, you can pull out your thesaurus and replace it with it’s critical, essential, vital, or significant.
But that’s replacing a problem with a problem.
What’s so important?
Instead of telling readers, why not try showing them what or why something is important?
Here’s a simple example:
It’s important to proofread your manuscript before you publish it.
Proofread your manuscript carefully before you publish it.
Here, the imperative and the adverb “carefully” add a useful instruction rather than simply telling the reader that proofreading is important.
If you push too hard on urgency, you can end up with multiple “that” clauses.
It’s important that you note that a print book can never be deleted, only removed from sale.
Again, the best solution is to cut to the chase.
When you publish a print book, it can never be deleted, only removed from sale.
In this example, using “never” is strong enough to make the point clear.
Watch out for “it’s important’s” little cousins
You should also take care with similar empty phrases, such as it’s interesting, it’s useful, it’s obvious, or it’s surprising.
These perform a similar function and can also introduce unnecessary that clauses.
It’s obvious that you should always use the active voice.
But it may not be known or obvious to all readers. A better way is to describe why it should be obvious.
Active voice usually makes your sentences clearer, more descriptive, and more direct.
Other related words and expressions can try to hide “it’s important” behind a change of vocabulary.
Some common examples are: remember, consider, make sure, ensure, prioritize, focus on, pay attention to, and you should always.
Many of these can serve the same purpose as “it’s important” by signaling that the reader should pay particular attention.
Changing your vocabulary can help reduce repetition, but don’t be too reliant on it.
It’s usually better to get to the point instead of relying on an empty sentence starter.
Make sure you remember to back up your work after each writing session.
It’s often better to simply state the obvious.
Back up your work routinely after every writing session.
It’s that easy. Just spot the habitual phrase, ask what it’s trying to say, then write that instead.
When to use empty sentence openers for urgency
Of course, there’s no rule that says you can’t use these clauses and vocabulary.
As always, it’s a decision you need to make as you write.
It’s especially relevant (important) if you’re writing informational, how-to, or opinion articles or blog posts.
When you’re outlining instructions or guidance, you always have points that may be more vital than others.
In these cases, using an “important” or similar clause might be necessary to highlight the highest priority.
That’s fine if you use it only once. But if you use it again, or even more, you will diminish your strongest recommendation.
I’m guilty too
It’s essential that I note that I’m as culpable as any writer on this writing point.
It’s always the easiest way to draw a reader’s attention to a point you want them to remember.
But it’s not always the best way to do it, and it can become repetitive if you are not on your guard.
When I look back at some of my writing, I know it’s something I could have been more careful with.
Not that it’s a criminal offence.
It’s simply that sometimes, it’s better to drop the warning phrase and get to the point.
The same principle applies to many habitual sentence openers.
Phrases such as “as far as I know,” “when you think about it,” and “to tell you the truth” can sometimes be useful, but often you can simply start with the point you want to make.
Summary
Using “it’s important” too often is worth avoiding when you can do it quickly and easily.
But it’s not something you need to delete completely from your writing. It’s simply a little improvement you can make.
Whenever you can remove unnecessary fluff from your writing, it’s usually a wise move.
However, it’s not important, only an option.
Related Reading: How To Avoid Empty Sentence Starters
English teacher, writer, and author. Passionate about grammar, creative writing, and self-publishing. Always exploring new tools and tech to help writers succeed.
