a priority list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a priority list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a list of tasks or items ranked by their importance or urgency. Example: "Before starting the project, I need to create a priority list to ensure I focus on the most critical tasks first."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't have a priority list," he said.

The New York Times

"It just doesn't rank high on a priority list during times like this," Mr. Foster said.

The New York Times

In three and a half years after 9/11, the Bush administration has a priority list.

The New York Times

When combined with conservation costs, it may be used to create a priority list of forest remnants for conservation.

Ecological Economics

Moreover, a priority list containing the most hazardous compounds identified in agreement between the two tools is drafted.

Environment International

Last summer the defence ministry compiled a "priority" list that promised billions of euros in savings on weapons systems.

The Economist

Then, a priority list, which is comprised by weighted skills in industry requirements, is prepared and presented to students as a questionnaire at the beginning of the semester.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Unfortunately, none of that swayed the team from its plan to charge fans $100 to be on a priority list to buy playoff tickets.

The New York Times - Sports

Working with news organizations across the US and Europe, as well as interviews with the public, the Trust Project compiled a priority list of possible trust indicators.

The Guardian - Tech

Although Connecticut already has a priority list for barriers for noise abatement, Mr. Maloney said safety has to take priority over sound.

The New York Times

"We all say we have a priority list and with many of us it begins with our faith, our family and then our football.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating "a priority list", clearly define the criteria for prioritization. This ensures that items are ranked consistently and objectively.

Common error

Don't treat "a priority list" as just another to-do list. Ensure that each item is ranked based on its importance and impact, not just its urgency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a priority list" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a list of items or tasks that have been ranked according to their importance or urgency, guiding decision-making and resource allocation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

17%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a priority list" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and suitable for general use. It serves to highlight the relative importance of the items listed, helping with strategic decision-making. As such, it's versatile in usage across various contexts, including science, news, and even personal planning. When creating "a priority list", remember to clearly define your ranking criteria to keep the list objective. Instead of simply creating a “to-do list”, rank based on impact. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "an order of priority", or "a ranked list".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an order of priority

Emphasizes the sequence of importance rather than a structured list.

a ranked list

Focuses on the explicit ranking of items.

a prioritized agenda

Implies a list of actions or topics arranged by significance.

a set of priorities

Highlights multiple important items without necessarily ranking them.

a hierarchy of tasks

Suggests a tiered arrangement of tasks based on their importance.

an importance ranking

Focuses on the act of ranking by importance, rather than the list itself.

a strategic to-do list

Implies that the list is created for a specific strategic objective.

a critical task list

Focuses on tasks that are essential and must be completed.

a top-priority roster

Emphasizes that all items on the list are high priority.

essential items

Focuses solely on what is deemed necessary, not necessarily rank-ordered.

FAQs

How do you use "a priority list" in a sentence?

You can use "a priority list" to describe an ordered set of tasks or items. For example, "Before starting the project, create "a priority list" to focus on the most critical tasks first."

What can I say instead of "a priority list"?

You can use alternatives like "an order of priority", "a ranked list", or "a prioritized agenda" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a priority list" and a to-do list?

While both are lists of tasks, "a priority list" specifically ranks items by importance, whereas a to-do list simply enumerates tasks without assigning relative significance. Prioritize tasks on "a strategic to-do list".

How do you create an effective "a priority list"?

An effective "a priority list" requires clear criteria for ranking items, such as impact, urgency, or strategic importance. Regularly review and adjust the list as circumstances change.