a primary concern

USAGE SUMMARY

'a primary concern' is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is of great importance and requires attention before other things. For example: "Safety is a primary concern for this company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Safety is unquestionably a primary concern.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

The situation of the peasants was a primary concern.

The New York Times - Arts

Execution speed was not a primary concern for our project.

Cornell University

But Ms. Rosenberg said cost was not a primary concern.

The New York Times

Even before the injury, Stoudemire had become a primary concern.

The New York Times - Sports

But a primary concern is always going to be profit.

The New York Times

This, after all, is a primary concern of legalisation opponents.

Independent

Low temperature cracking potential is a primary concern for asphalt mixtures with high RAP contents.

Construction and Building Materials

The wellbeing of the 120 staff will also be a primary concern.

The Guardian

Health has been a primary concern of human beings throughout history.

The Guardian

Sport utility vehicle owners often cite safety as a primary concern when purchasing their vehicles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary concern", clearly state what actions are being taken, or should be taken, to address the concern. This adds clarity and demonstrates proactive thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary concern" without specifying why it's a concern or who is concerned. Provide context to ensure the phrase has impact and is not perceived as empty rhetoric.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary concern" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object within a sentence. It identifies the most important issue or worry in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary concern" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the most important issue or worry in a given situation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and very commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it is often used to denote the most critical issue at hand, it is crucial to specify what that concern is and, if applicable, whose concern it is to provide better clarity. Alternatives include "a top priority", "a key consideration", and "a major worry", each with slightly different shades of meaning. By using "a primary concern" effectively, you can clearly communicate priorities and drive meaningful action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A top priority

Indicates that something should be dealt with before other things.

The main focus

Signifies where the most attention is directed.

A major worry

Focuses more on the anxiety aspect rather than general importance.

The biggest issue

Implies it is the largest problem among others.

A key consideration

Emphasizes the need to think about something carefully before making a decision.

A crucial matter

Emphasizes the decisiveness or critical nature of something.

A central issue

Highlights that something is fundamental to a situation or discussion.

A paramount importance

Stresses the exceptional significance of something.

A chief preoccupation

Suggests that something dominates one's thoughts.

A foremost responsibility

Highlights the duty to address something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a primary concern" to highlight the most important issue or worry in a given situation. For example: "Safety is "a primary concern" for our employees."

What are some alternatives to "a primary concern"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a top priority", "a key consideration", or "a major worry".

Is it always necessary to specify whose "a primary concern" it is?

While not always grammatically required, specifying whose concern it is adds clarity and impact. For example, "The patient's comfort is "a primary concern"" is more informative than simply "Comfort is "a primary concern"."

What's the difference between "a primary concern" and "a secondary concern"?

"A primary concern" refers to the most important issue, while "a secondary concern" refers to something that is also important, but less so than the primary issue. Addressing "a primary concern" usually takes precedence.