a prime consideration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prime consideration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of a particular factor or aspect in a decision-making process. Example: "When planning the event, safety was a prime consideration for the organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Your time horizon is a prime consideration.

The New York Times

Price, of course, is a prime consideration.

The Washington Post

Health care costs are a prime consideration for retirees.

The New York Times

All central station plants, where efficiency is a prime consideration, employ condensing turbines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Angus Auchterlonie, an analyst at SG Securities in Johannesburg, said that was certainly a prime consideration for the deal.

The New York Times

The developmental level of the child is a prime consideration in assessing and treating child behaviour disorders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

When selecting a process, the prime consideration is on the characteristics of the resultant product.

Design Engineering

It is portentous that neither choral group has cited artistic quality as the prime consideration for a merger.

Los Angeles Times

Because HBO is a subscription channel dependent on monthly fees, the prime consideration is selling people on the channel in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

The New York Times

The museum's purpose should be educating and satisfying popular taste, Mr. Anderson said, and public enthusiasm should never be the prime consideration for mounting an exhibition.

The New York Times - Arts

(But the minute those kids are a little older or around the corner....) In determining right conduct, the example we set for others is not our only consideration, or even our prime consideration, but it should be a consideration.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prime consideration" when you want to emphasize that a particular factor carries significant weight in a decision-making process.

Common error

While "a prime consideration" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main thing" or "key factor" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prime consideration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a factor, aspect, or element as being of primary importance, influencing a decision, assessment, or design.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prime consideration" is a phrase used to highlight the utmost importance of a particular factor in a decision-making process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or neutral settings, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal conversation. Remember, focusing on what truly matters can help you make the best choice, and this expression helps signal that importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key consideration

Changes 'prime' to 'key', indicating essential importance but with a slightly less formal tone.

a major consideration

Replaces 'prime' with 'major', highlighting significance without the implication of being the absolute top priority.

an essential factor

Substitutes 'consideration' with 'factor', focusing on the element as a contributing aspect to a decision.

a crucial element

Replaces the whole expression, stressing a necessary part or aspect.

a significant aspect

Indicates an important feature or part, diluting the direct sense of influence on decisions.

a central concern

Highlights importance to anxieties or questions instead of objective decisions.

a top priority

Shifts the focus to ranking highest in importance, rather than just being an important aspect.

a fundamental principle

Highlights the phrase's quality of being a basic truth or foundation.

the main thing to remember

Moves away from formal considerations to direct advice.

the most important thing

Emphasizes supreme relevance instead of something just to consider.

FAQs

How can I use "a prime consideration" in a sentence?

You can use "a prime consideration" to highlight a factor that is of utmost importance. For instance, "When designing the new product, user feedback was "a prime consideration"."

What are some alternatives to "a prime consideration"?

Alternatives include "a key consideration", "a major consideration", or "an essential factor". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a prime consideration"?

It's best used in formal writing or discussions where you need to emphasize the significance of a particular factor. It's suitable for business reports, academic papers, or policy documents.

Is there a difference between "a prime consideration" and "a primary consideration"?

While similar, "a prime consideration" suggests something of utmost importance, whereas "a primary consideration" simply indicates one of the main factors among several. The difference is one of degree.