Above all else

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Above all else" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance of one thing over everything else in a given context. Example: "Above all else, we must prioritize the safety of our employees during this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He values his art above all else.

The New York Times

She believed in art above all else.

Huffington Post

To be authentic above all else.

Huffington Post

Above all else, show passion.

The Guardian

Above all else, Murph was an inspiration.

The New York Times

Above all else, there is Mourinho himself.

The New York Times - Sports

Above all else, turkey is versatile.

The New York Times - Health

Above all else, it was about adventure.

Independent

"Above all else, he was an entertainer".

The Guardian - Music

Above all else, they trusted their students.

The Guardian

Above all else, never, ever disappear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Above all else", ensure it directly precedes the most crucial element you want your audience to remember or prioritize. For impact, place it at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "Above all else" as a simple introductory phrase without a genuinely significant point following it. Ensure it introduces something truly paramount to avoid diluting its emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Above all else" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to emphasize a single, overriding priority or consideration. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Above all else" is a versatile and widely used expression to emphasize a single, overriding priority. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media. When using "Above all else", make sure it introduces a genuinely significant point to avoid diluting its emphasis. Alternatives like "most importantly" or "primarily" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Above everything else

Implies that something is more important than all other things.

Over and above all

Emphasizes that something is considered in addition to and more importantly than everything else.

Most importantly

Emphasizes the paramount importance of something, similar to setting it above other considerations.

Of utmost importance

Highlights the extreme significance of something.

Primarily

Highlights the main or fundamental aspect, akin to placing it at the top of a list of priorities.

Before anything else

Specifies the sequence of priorities, putting something first in order of importance.

Paramountly

Signals something of the highest importance or rank.

In the first place

Focuses on the initial and most important aspect.

Essentially

Refers to the most basic and important aspect of something.

Fundamentally

Focuses on the foundational or most crucial aspect.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Above all else" in a sentence?

Use "Above all else" to highlight the single most important point you want to convey. For example, "Above all else, be courteous" emphasizes courtesy as the top priority.

What phrases can I use instead of "Above all else" to convey importance?

Alternatives include "most importantly", "primarily", or "above everything else". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "Above all else" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "Above all else" is suitable for formal writing, but consider your audience. While grammatically correct, alternatives such as "of utmost importance" might sound more sophisticated in some contexts.

What's the difference between "Above all else" and "First and foremost"?

"Above all else" emphasizes singular importance, while "first and foremost" indicates the initial order or sequence. Use "Above all else" when one thing outweighs all others.