a priority

USAGE SUMMARY

"a priority" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is considered important or of high importance in a particular situation. Example: "Completing this project on time is our top priority." In this sentence, "a priority" is used to emphasize the importance of completing the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A priority?

The Guardian - Arts

Speed is a priority.

The New York Times

"That's a priority".

The New York Times - Sports

Reform is a priority.

The Economist

wasn't a priority.

The New York Times

Is that a priority?

The New York Times

"He's a priority".

The New York Times - Sports

"He'll remain a priority".

The New York Times - Sports

Cleaner transport is a priority.

The Economist

"The newsstand is a priority.

The New York Times

It is not a priority".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a priority", ensure the context clearly defines what is being prioritized and why it is important. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a priority" without explaining its importance or relevance. This can lead to confusion and diminish the significance of the prioritization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a priority" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something of high importance or precedence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common way to express that something needs special attention or resources. Examples show its use in various contexts, from business to personal matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Science & Research

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a priority" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes something of great importance or urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and grammatical correctness. It appears frequently in news, business, and general writing, signifying that attention and resources should be directed toward the specified item. Using this phrase effectively involves clearly defining the context and reasons for prioritization, which helps strengthen the intended message. While versatile, avoiding vague prioritizations is key to clear communication. Its presence across diverse source types, from The New York Times to WikiHow, underscores its relevance in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a main focus

Emphasizes the central point of attention or effort.

a top concern

Highlights the importance and urgency of the issue.

a critical task

Highlights the importance of the task and its potential impact.

a key concern

Focuses on the aspect of worry or importance associated with the subject.

a vital aspect

Emphasizes the crucial nature of the element being considered.

a primary objective

Highlights importance in achieving something.

a central goal

Focuses on the end result that is deemed most important.

a matter of urgency

Highlights the pressing need to address the situation quickly.

an essential element

Highlights the necessity of something within a larger context.

a high-level objective

Highlights the strategic importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a priority" to indicate something that is important or needs immediate attention. For example, "Customer satisfaction is "a priority" for our company."

What are some alternatives to using "a priority"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a key concern", "a main focus", or "a top concern" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the priority" instead of "a priority"?

Both "a priority" and "the priority" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A priority" refers to one of several important things, while "the priority" refers to the single most important thing.

What's the difference between "a priority" and "an objective"?

"An objective" is a goal or aim, while ""a priority"" is something that is given precedence or importance. A priority can be a factor in achieving an objective.