a primacy for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primacy for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance or priority given to a particular concept, value, or principle. Example: "The organization has established a primacy for sustainability in all its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our finding that only disgusting pictures, especially in the animal-reminder category, differentiate conservatives from liberals might be indicative of a primacy for disgust in the pantheon of human aversions, but it is also possible that this result is due to the fact that, compared to threat, disgust is much easier to evoke with visual images on a computer screen.

Current Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At Guinegate the Landsknechte showed their mettle and would vie with the Swiss Reisläufer for primacy on the battlefield for more than a century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other regional and global groupings--the North American Free Trade Agreement, the European Union, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooprimacyn--comprimacyr primacy.

Los Angeles Times

In essence, kanyini describes the principle and primacy of caring for others - an obligation to nurture, protect and care for other people, family, country and the law [ 19].

BMC Health Services Research

Quine rejected any primacy for ontology, claiming that ontological categories should be suggested by natural science.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Earlier we said that a consideration has motivational primacy for an agent just in case the following three conditions are met: First, it is a type of consideration in light of which an ordinary adult agent would act in a wide array of cases; second, it is a sufficient reason for that agent; and, third it has deliberative weight for him.

SEP

Statistical analysis of growth stock performance reveals that just a handful of companies hold on to their primacy for a decade.

Forbes

Suppose we say that a state of affairs P has motivational primacy for an (ordinary adult) agent S just in case three conditions are met.

SEP

The average run of primacy for a great growth stock rarely lasts more than five years.

Forbes

Primacy for the United States, equality for China — they are inherently incompatible".

The New York Times

He claims primacy for the Camorra among Italy's five Mafias.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a primacy for" when you want to emphasize that something takes precedence over other considerations. It suggests a fundamental importance or foundational role.

Common error

Avoid using "a primacy for" when "a priority for" or "an emphasis on" would suffice. The term implies a significant level of importance, and using it inappropriately can sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primacy for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition, indicating that something holds the highest level of importance or precedence. As Ludwig points out, this phrase reflects that.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a primacy for" denotes that something holds the highest level of importance or precedence. Though grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it is a less common phrase, suggesting careful consideration of alternative expressions like "a priority for" or "an emphasis on" might be beneficial depending on the context. It's most appropriately used in formal settings where emphasizing fundamental importance is key, as can be seen from the phrase examples in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. Ludwig lists related options such as "a preference for" or "a central role for", allowing writers to choose the most fitting expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a priority for

Focuses on the order of importance, where "primacy" can also imply a position of dominance.

a preeminence for

Suggests superiority and outstanding importance, similar to "primacy" but with a stronger emphasis on standing out.

a foremost concern for

Points out the highest priority, aligning with "primacy" in terms of importance but framed as worry or care.

a preference for

Emphasizes liking or choosing something over another, differing from "primacy" which suggests higher importance.

a superior position for

Highlights advantage and higher status, specifying where the importance of "primacy" is directed.

an emphasis on

Highlights that something receives special attention or stress, a less direct form of "primacy".

a central role for

Indicates something is essential and key, changing the term "primacy" from importance to a functional position.

a dominance of

Indicates control or influence, shifting the focus from simple importance to active power.

a leading status for

Indicates being ahead or in charge, emphasizing leadership over basic importance.

a high regard for

Focuses on admiration and respect, less about objective importance than "primacy".

FAQs

How can I use "a primacy for" in a sentence?

Use "a primacy for" to indicate that something holds a position of highest importance or takes precedence over other things. For instance, "The company places "a primacy for" customer satisfaction."

What's the difference between "a primacy for" and "a priority for"?

"A primacy for" implies a more fundamental and foundational importance compared to "a priority for", which simply denotes something that needs to be dealt with first.

Are there alternatives to using "a primacy for"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a preference for", "an emphasis on", or "a central role for" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is "a primacy for" most appropriate?

"A primacy for" is most appropriate in formal contexts where you need to stress the overriding importance of something. For example, in discussing core values or fundamental principles.