can be important vs can be an important

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Can be important' is used when referring to the general importance of something without specifying a particular importance level. On the other hand, 'can be an important' is used when emphasizing a specific level of importance. The choice between the two depends on the context and the level of emphasis needed.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 864 views

can be important

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when referring to the general importance of something without specifying a particular importance level.

Examples:

In this project, attention to detail can be important.
Good communication skills can be important in a team setting.

Show examples from the web [+]

Process can be important, and we must get that right.
And certainly in the world of vaccines that can be important.
Parliament's position on public procurement shows that decisions at Community level can be important for achieving a more humane society.
Private actors, including the private sector, can be important in promoting development if their actions contribute to the implementation of human rights and the eradication of poverty.
This year can be important for my future.
Even the smallest thing can be important.
Furthermore, collective selling can be important for the redistribution of income and can thus be a tool for achieving greater solidarity within sports.
While the start-up of businesses remains the priority, it can be important to lubricate the partial or total sale of young enterprises in order to secure the ongoing business and employment opportunity.
The exclusion of fundamental research harbours the risk that useful knowledge, which can be important for the survival of a species in danger of extinction cannot be gained anymore.
Let me give a concrete example, which was mentioned at the G20 summit, that of the instrument of micro-finance, which not only increases social cohesion, but also self-sufficiency, and can be important for this reason as well.
It can be important in the outback not to be stranded as a result of damage caused by such a collision but there are hardly any areas in Europe where this reason can be used to justify fitting bull bars.
Compliance with effective rules-based fiscal frameworks can be important in supporting sound and sustainable fiscal policies.
The victim, the method and the places can be important.
Although this approach fits in with the creation of a single internal energy market, this information can be important for consumers.
Now, I have an experiment which has to do with the blueness of cheese... which can be important and which will never die.
While recognising that cooperation in the area of taxation can be important, we should not ignore the fact that tax policy is an essential instrument of economic and social policy, on the definition of which clear political criteria and evaluations have an impact.
The experience of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), as well as of national trade unions and European and national employers' organisations, can be important elements in the process to be initiated.
In some cases it can be important to register an extension of a marketing authorisation under a different name where it concerns an indication different from that initially registered in the original marketing authorisation.
cultural ties between Europe and the other regions of the world can be important for the development of intercultural dialogue and the setting up of common cultural projects; moreover, the Union has to ensure the promotion of its cultural and linguistic diversity.
"I can be important."

Alternatives:

may be important
could be important
might be important
is important
is crucial

can be an important

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when emphasizing a specific level of importance.