a paramount concern

USAGE SUMMARY

'a paramount concern' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to emphasize the importance of something. For example: "The safety of our customers is a paramount concern for our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Secrecy is a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Confidentiality was a paramount concern.

Harvard Business Review

Security remains a paramount concern.

The New York Times - Sports

Assuring that customers are respectfully treated is a paramount concern.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But of course public safety is a paramount concern.

The New Yorker

Relatability is a paramount concern in children's entertainment.

The New York Times

Establishing security for embassy personnel is a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, safety has always been a paramount concern of NASA.

The New York Times

The health and safety of our cast members has always been and remains a paramount concern.

The New York Times - Arts

Once the production was given the green light, locations became a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Yet safety should be a paramount concern, especially when a small portable grill is involved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a paramount concern" to clearly indicate that something is of the highest importance and requires immediate and focused attention. It conveys a sense of urgency and significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a paramount concern" in casual or informal settings. The phrase is formal and may sound out of place in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main worry" or "top priority" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paramount concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to highlight the significance of a specific issue or matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a paramount concern" is a frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the highest level of importance and urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's most appropriate for formal contexts such as news articles, academic papers, and business reports. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "a primary concern" or "a top priority". Be mindful of overuse in informal settings where simpler language is preferred. The phrase serves to emphasize the critical nature of a subject, compelling attention and action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary concern

Replaces "paramount" with "primary", indicating high but not necessarily the absolute highest importance.

the chief concern

Replaces "paramount" with "chief", suggesting the leading or principal concern.

a top priority

Uses the term "priority" emphasizing the need for immediate attention.

a foremost priority

Combines "foremost" and "priority" to stress importance and immediate attention.

of utmost importance

Emphasizes the significance using a more formal and emphatic tone.

a critical matter

Emphasizes the urgency and potential consequences of the concern.

a major worry

Shifts the focus to the emotional aspect of concern, implying anxiety or apprehension.

a key consideration

Highlights the need to think about it carefully.

a central issue

Highlights the issue's role as a core element in a discussion or situation.

the biggest problem

Frames the concern as a problem that needs resolving, with added emphasis on its size.

FAQs

How can I use "a paramount concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a paramount concern" to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "Ensuring data privacy is "a paramount concern" for our organization".

What are some alternatives to "a paramount concern"?

Alternatives include "a primary concern", "a top priority", or "of utmost importance", depending on the specific context.

Is "paramount concern" formal or informal?

"Paramount concern" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. Simpler phrases are more appropriate for casual settings.

What is the difference between "a paramount concern" and "a major concern"?

"A paramount concern" implies the highest level of importance, while "a major concern" suggests something significant but not necessarily the most critical issue. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.