Is It Grammatically Correct to Say ‘the Most Important Things’ or ‘the Most Important Thing’?

This may sound like a silly question, but it's quite common for people to wonder if there's a strict rule for how to phrase sentences that refer to important elements. With the phrases ‘the most important things’ and ‘the most important thing, ' the answer isn't always as straightforward as one might think.

The Grammar of Important Phrases

First and foremost, both phrases are grammatically correct. Some people mistakenly believe that the singular thing is the only valid option when discussing a single item of utmost importance. However, this is simply not the case. In English, the can be used with both singular and plural nouns, as well as with uncountable nouns (non-count nouns).

Examples with the things

Let's look at some examples to illustrate this grammar point:

This is the thing I need.

These are the things I need.

This is the stuff I need.

Multiple Instances of Importance

When you're referring to multiple items or elements that are important, such as on a shopping list or a list of life priorities, the phrase 'the most important things' becomes the most appropriate choice. For instance:

“The most important things on my shopping list are the dairy products and toilet paper.”

In this case, you're listing multiple items, each of which is important in its own right, even if they are not the single most important. This is why the plural form is correct.

Single Instance of Importance

On the other hand, when you want to highlight a single element or concept as the ultimate priority, singular forms become the appropriate choice. For example:

“Caring enough to do your best is the most important thing you can do.”

Here, you're emphasizing that caring is the single most crucial thing, and not just one of many important elements.

Contextual Clarity and Usage

Deciding which phrase to use depends on the context and the number of items you're referring to. Here are two examples to illustrate this:

“There are many items on the shopping list, but the most important things are eggs, milk, and bread.”

“The most important thing in the world is the love of your fellow human.”

In the first sentence, you're indicating that out of multiple items, certain ones stand out as essential. In the second sentence, the speaker is referring to a singular concept as the central focus or primary importance.

Conclusion

Both ‘the most important things’ and ‘the most important thing’ are correct grammatically. It all depends on how many elements you're discussing. If you're referring to multiple important elements, the plural form is more appropriate. If you're emphasizing a single, overarching concept, the singular form is the better choice.

Remember, clarity and context are key when choosing between these phrases. You might think that there can be only one most important thing, but in reality, it can be the 5 most important of 100 things. Both phrases have their place in English, so use them accordingly to convey your meaning accurately.