a priority question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a priority question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is of high importance or urgency in a particular context. Example: "Before we proceed with the meeting, let's address a priority question that needs immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I just don't think it surfaced as a priority question," said Barbara Millen, president of Millennium Prevention, a life sciences start-up company, and chair of the 2015 advisory committee.

Independent

Ultimately, we had music on two of those, it's just a priority question, we'll move that to Xbox at some point not defined.

TechCrunch

However, any Member, political group or committee may every month designate one of its questions as a "priority question" to be answered by the addressee within three weeks of being forwarded to it.

European Parliament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By this the electromagnetic cleanliness (EMC) of these satellites becomes a first priority question.

Advances in Space Research

And it hard not to suspect that the polling questions behind the Index are precisely designed to obscure that very important point -- since respondents aren't asked an open-ended priority question or given a chance to choose between debt reduction and other priorities.

HuffPost

Despite the assurances from the president on down that the changes remain a budget priority, questions about funding have advocates on the issue concerned and keeping up public pressure.

The New York Times

The trial opened in January this year, but was postponed after the president of the court raised a priority constitutional question.

The Guardian

You should ask any politician saying they think a balanced budget is a priority one question: what is your health reform plan?

Duke University

The feasibility of cash interventions by risk level was a priority research question; as such, a stratified sample was used to ensure adequate representation from communities of all risk levels.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

To decide the optimal timing for initiation of HAART after starting ATT in HIV-TB patients has been listed as a priority research question for resource limited settings by WHO [ 20].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Priority question: To what extent does macroeconomic growth improve labor market conditions?

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a priority question", briefly explain why it's a priority to set the context for your audience. This helps them understand its importance immediately.

Common error

Avoid using "a priority question" too frequently in the same text. Vary your language with alternatives like "a key question" or "a pressing question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a priority question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific question as being of high importance or urgency. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its noun phrase categorization.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a priority question" is a grammatically sound and usable term to highlight the importance and urgency of a particular question. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is deemed correct by Ludwig and applicable across various contexts, including news, formal business, and scientific discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure that the reasons for the question's prioritization are clear to maintain context and avoid overuse. Alternative phrases like "a key question" or "a pressing question" can add variety to your writing while conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key question

Focuses on the essential nature of the question, rather than its urgency.

a pressing question

Emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of the question.

an urgent question

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the question.

a critical question

Stresses the importance of the question to the matter at hand.

a central question

Indicates that the question is fundamental to the discussion.

a foremost question

Highlights that the question is at the front of the discussion.

a leading question

Implies the question guides the discussion in a certain direction, with implications that might go against it's literal meaning.

a significant question

Indicates the question carries considerable weight or importance.

a top question

Informal alternative emphasizing the high ranking of the question.

a major question

Highlights the substantial impact or scope of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a priority question" to introduce a subject that needs immediate attention or is of utmost importance. For example: "The budget allocation is a priority question that we must address today."

What are some alternatives to "a priority question"?

You can use alternatives like "a key question", "a pressing question", or "a critical question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a priority question" in formal writing?

Yes, "a priority question" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing issues that require urgent or immediate attention. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

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

While both indicate significance, "a priority question" suggests the question needs immediate attention, whereas "an important question" simply highlights its general significance without necessarily implying urgency.