Number one priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Number one priority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important task or goal in a given context. Example: "Ensuring customer satisfaction is our number one priority this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Public safety is our number one priority.

The Guardian - Tech

Our number one priority is public safety".

The Guardian

His family was his number one priority.

The Guardian

"Water is the number one priority".

The Guardian

That is my number one priority".

The Guardian - Sport

They are now my number one priority.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Our number-one priority is on education.

Vice

Their number-one priority.

The Washington Post

I'm my number-one priority.

The Guardian - Arts

The number-one priority is safety.

The Guardian - Music

But safety is our number-one priority.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Number one priority", ensure that it is clear who or what it applies to. Ambiguity can dilute the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "Number one priority" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its importance and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "top priority" or "main focus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Number one priority" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, serving to designate the most important thing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Number one priority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the most important item or concern. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly acceptable in English writing. It appears commonly in news, academic, and business contexts. While effective, avoid overuse to maintain its impact, and be sure the context clarifies who or what holds this top position. Consider alternatives like "top priority" or "main focus" to diversify your language. It can be adapted to fit many scenarios but ensure it effectively communicates the primary focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Top priority

This alternative uses "top" to convey the highest level of importance, instead of explicitly numbering it.

Highest priority

Replaces "number one" with "highest", emphasizing the supreme importance of something.

Main priority

This alternative simply indicates the principal focus or concern.

Primary concern

Shifts the focus to the core issue needing attention, instead of framing it as a ranked priority.

Chief concern

Highlights the main worry or issue that needs to be addressed.

Foremost concern

Emphasizes that something is at the very front of one's mind or agenda.

Principal focus

Highlights the main point of attention or effort.

Key objective

This alternative frames the priority as a goal to be achieved.

Central aim

This phrase emphasizes the core purpose or goal.

Most important thing

A more general way to express what holds the highest significance.

FAQs

How can I use "Number one priority" in a sentence?

You can use "Number one priority" to emphasize the most important task or goal. For example, "Public safety is our "number one priority"".

What are some alternatives to "Number one priority"?

Some alternatives include "top priority", "highest priority", or "main focus". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "Number one priority" or "Top priority"?

Both phrases are acceptable and widely used. "Number one priority" explicitly ranks the item as first, while "top priority" simply indicates high importance. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

What does it mean when someone says something is their "Number one priority"?

It means that, out of all the things they are considering or working on, that particular thing is the most important and will receive the most attention and effort.