Number one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Number one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the first item in a list or to emphasize the importance of something. Example: "When it comes to customer service, number one is always putting the customer first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Number One.

Columbia University

Number One: Be proactive.

Columbia University

Number one, simple arithmetic.

The New Yorker

Number one search term?

The New Yorker

Number one – the location.

The Guardian - Travel

Number one novelist... Philip Roth.

The Guardian - Books

Number one is Abraham Lincoln.

Harvard Business Review

Number one?

University of Chicago

Number one: months.

BBC

Number one, listen carefully.

BBC

Number one is tourism.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "number one" to describe a person, ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to their rank, responsibility, or self-importance.

Common error

Avoid using "number one" in formal writing where a more precise term like 'primary' or 'chief' would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound less professional.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "number one" is to act as a noun or adjective that identifies the most important item or person in a given context. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct and common, appearing in various sentence structures to highlight priority or ranking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "number one" is a commonly used phrase that functions as both a noun and an adjective, primarily serving to highlight the utmost importance or superior ranking. As noted by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of the context and whether a more precise term might be preferable for certain professional or academic environments. When choosing alternatives, consider "primary", "foremost", or "leading".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Number one priority

More explicit about importance within a set of priorities.

At the top of the list

Refers to placement in an ordered sequence.

Foremost

Emphasizes priority or importance; often used in formal contexts.

Paramount

Stresses supreme importance or authority.

Principal

Similar to 'chief' but can also refer to the first in rank.

Highest-ranking

More descriptive and specific about position.

Topmost

Single-word adjective emphasizing the highest rank or position.

Leading

Indicates a position at the front or top.

Chief

Highlights the leading or principal aspect.

Primary

Indicates the main or most important element.

FAQs

How do I use "number one" in a sentence?

You can use "number one" to indicate the top item in a list, like "Customer satisfaction is our "number one" priority". It can also refer to the best in a category: "She is the "number one" tennis player in the world".

What can I say instead of "number one"?

Alternatives include "primary", "foremost", "topmost", or "leading", depending on the specific context. Each carries a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "number one" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "number one" may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal synonyms like "principal" or "chief" for a more suitable tone.

What does it mean when someone refers to themself as "number one"?

When someone refers to themself as "number one", it typically implies they consider themselves the most important person. This usage can be perceived as arrogant or self-centered, so use it cautiously.