a first priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a first priority' is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use it when you want to indicate that something is of utmost importance. For example: "Making sure the safety of everyone is a first priority."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By this the electromagnetic cleanliness (EMC) of these satellites becomes a first priority question.

Advances in Space Research

That is why preventing entanglements "is a first priority," Ms. Zoodsma said.

The New York Times - Science

Pleasure might be a first priority when listening to music, but it's also a direct route into history.

The Guardian - Music

Recreational cycling and professional cycle tours have prompted cycle components and accessories to be designed with drag reduction as a first priority.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Study of radiation resistance of hydrogenous materials at low temperatures is a first priority task in the design of advanced cold neutron moderators.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

Thermal performance is a first priority criterion for the system, and system simplicity, technological feasibility and economic factors are considered during optimization.

Energy

So a first priority is to look for measures that reduce the harm drugs do, both to users and to society at large.

The Economist

He also stressed that he would want to maintain employment for people in the defence industry, who would be involved in building Trident submarines, as a "first priority".

The Guardian

"I would hope we would make a first priority of getting back to putting these dollars in the pension system when the revenues allow".

The New York Times

"Be assured the government wants to get particularly women and children out as a first priority from Nauru – we're working on that".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The vital protection of the civilian population is the primary obligation of government--a first priority, not the last.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For greater clarity, specify who is assigning the priority. For example, "For the hospital, patient safety is a first priority."

Common error

Avoid using "a first priority" when several items are equally critical. Instead, consider "high priorities" or rank them individually to avoid diluting the significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first priority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. It identifies something as being of utmost importance or deserving immediate attention. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming that it is correct English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a first priority" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate something of utmost importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts. The analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that its purpose is to emphasize a specific task or goal, directing focus and resources. While it sees frequent usage in scientific and news media, it also sees use in formal and business communications. For alternative phrasings, consider "the top priority" or "a primary concern". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity on who assigns the priority and avoid overuse when multiple items hold equal importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the top priority

Changes the article from indefinite to definite, emphasizing a single, specific priority.

the main priority

Replaces "first" with "main", indicating the most important concern.

the highest priority

Changes the adjective to emphasize the degree of importance.

the foremost priority

Emphasizes the leading position in terms of importance.

number one priority

Uses a numerical term to denote the highest importance.

a chief priority

Uses "chief" instead of "first", stressing the principal importance.

a leading priority

Indicates that the priority is at the forefront.

a key priority

Highlights the essential or crucial nature of the priority.

a primary concern

Substitutes "priority" with "concern", focusing on the importance of the issue.

the utmost importance

Shifts from a noun phrase to a more general expression of significance.

FAQs

How can I use "a first priority" in a sentence?

Use "a first priority" to indicate the most important thing to address. For example, "Ensuring customer satisfaction is "a first priority" for our company."

What's the difference between "a first priority" and "a high priority"?

"A first priority" suggests it is the most important, whereas "a high priority" simply means it's important, but not necessarily the most important. Using "a high priority" doesn't guarantee it's more important than anything else.

What can I say instead of "a first priority"?

You can use alternatives like "the top priority", "the main priority", or "a primary concern" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "primary priority"?

Yes, "primary priority" is generally considered redundant because "priority" inherently implies something of primary importance. Opt for ""a first priority"" or simply "priority" for clarity.