I was recently editing a large document for a client, and I encountered the phrase “it’s important to note”.
I’ve seen this phrase several times over the years, and it’s nearly always unnecessary. Take the following examples I found:
- It is important to note the gravity a term like “narco-state” holds.
- It is important to note that research has shown that men who have…
- it is important to note Newton University is legally, historically, and culturally not aiming to…
- It is important to note that all student aid requests must be submitted to the above address…
If you’re making the point, that means it’s important. So there’s no need to tell people it’s important. The reader will assume it’s important merely by the fact that it’s present in the text.
Each of the above examples can easily be rewritten without losing any of the meaning.
- A term like “narco-state” holds gravity.
- Research has shown that men who have…
- Newton University is legally, historically, and culturally not aiming to…
- Submit all student aid requests to the above address…
Actually, on that note, using “it’s important to”—even without the note—can also be redundant. Here are some more examples.
- It is important to me that the report be completed by Thursday.
- Remember it is important to read the questions carefully on the test to avoid making silly mistakes.
- It is important to choose language which is as precise and clear as possible
- Why it is important to write goals down
- Why it is important to have a business plan
And like the previous examples, these, too, can be rewritten without losing meaning:
- Complete the report by Thursday.
- To avoid making silly mistakes on the test, read the questions carefully.
- Choose language that is as precise and clear as possible/
- Why you should write goals down
- Why you should have a business plan
When you’re writing, you should be including only important points, so telling your reader that the points are important just wastes your readers’ time.
So if you’re tempted to use important while you’re writing—or any of its equally problematic synonyms, such as importantly, interestingly, please note, it should be pointed out, and it is important to keep in mind—then try to remember to catch it early. And cut it out.
