How to say that something is really important in general, but not as important as other things?

Question

Although learning a foreign language is really important, it plays a subordinate role in children's life compared with other components of education such as social skills, intellect and craftsmanship.

I accept that learning a foreign language is really important, but there are some other things that should be priority. I mean, learning a foreign language plays an important role generally, but it plays a subordinate role when considering some other things such as learning social skills. Is this meaningful to say so? Could you please suggest a perfect comparison construction if "compared with" is not suitable?

Answer 1

I generally wouldn't use the word 'subordinate' in this context, but otherwise there's nothing wrong with your phrasing as far as I can see.

Some other ways to say this, using your example:

• Learning a foreign language is important, but not as important as other things, such as social skills.
• Learning a foreign language is important, but it is secondary to the importance of other skills like craftsmanship.
• Learning a second language is important, but things like socials skills and intellect are vital.
• Learning another language is important but learning basic skills like reading, writing and speaking are paramount.

If you say in a sentence that [thing A] is important, then go on to say 'but [thing B] is vital/paramount/more important', then the meaning is clear. Words like vital and paramount mean very important.

If there is one thing that's more important than anything else, you might say that this thing is of utmost importance.