Above all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Above all" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the most important point or priority in a discussion or argument. Example: "Above all, we must prioritize the safety of our employees in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be kind above all.

WikiHow

Be mellow above all.

The New York Times - Magazine

Placed family above all.

The New York Times

Panache above all.

The New Yorker

That above all.

The New York Times - Books

But politics looms above all.

The New York Times

Victory above all.

BBC

We are, above all, nice".

Forbes

sites above all.

WikiHow

Explain calmly, above all.

WikiHow

Be patient, above all.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "above all", ensure it introduces the single most crucial point. Avoid using it when listing multiple important but non-hierarchical factors to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "above all" to simply list items of similar importance. Reserve it for the one, overriding consideration to prevent diluting its emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above all" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the highest priority or importance. It serves to emphasize what is paramount, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

21%

News & Media

56%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Above all" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the most important element in a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources like news media and wikis. To use it effectively, reserve it for the single, most crucial point to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives include "most importantly" and "primarily". Remember, the phrase is suitable for various formal and informal contexts, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above everything else

Emphasizes a supreme level of importance or priority.

of utmost importance

Stresses the critical nature of a specific element.

most importantly

Focuses on the significance of a point, emphasizing its importance.

before anything else

Indicates the precedence of one thing over all others.

first and foremost

Highlights the initial and primary consideration.

primarily

Indicates the main or principal concern or action.

especially

Highlights a particular item or aspect as being of greater importance.

more than anything

Indicates a preference or priority above all other considerations.

in particular

Draws attention to a specific detail or point.

chiefly

Highlights the main or principal aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "above all" in a sentence?

Use "above all" to emphasize the most important element. For instance, "Above all, be kind" indicates kindness is paramount.

What phrases can I use instead of "above all"?

You can use alternatives like "most importantly", "primarily", or "especially" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "above all else" instead of "above all"?

Yes, "above all else" is a valid alternative to "above all". Both phrases convey a similar meaning, emphasizing the utmost importance of something.

What is the difference between "above all" and "in addition to"?

"Above all" emphasizes the most important point, while "in addition to" introduces supplementary information. Use "above all" for priorities and "in addition to" for adding details.