above all

USAGE SUMMARY

"above all" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It's used to emphasize the importance of the thing being discussed. For example, "Above all, we should always be kind to one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be kind above all.

WikiHow

Above all — don't run.

The New York Times

Above all, there's gridlock.

The New York Times

"Above all!" Gautier concurred.

The New Yorker

Above all, you're free!

Independent

Above all, he listened.

The New Yorker

And, above all, loud.

The Economist

Above all he's memorable.

Independent

Above all, an event!

The New York Times

Above all, economic growth.

The New York Times

But, above all, they existed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "above all", ensure it genuinely represents the most crucial element of your statement. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "above all" for points that are merely supportive or secondary; reserve it for the single most critical aspect of your message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "above all" is to act as an adverbial phrase, modifying the entire sentence or clause. It serves to emphasize the paramount importance of a specific point, action, or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and accepted way to highlight priorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "above all" functions as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the utmost importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and validity. It is commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and wiki sources, with a neutral to formal register. To maximize impact, reserve "above all" for your most critical point, avoiding overuse in less significant contexts. Alternatives include "most importantly", "primarily", and "chiefly", each offering nuanced variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most importantly

This phrase directly conveys the highest level of importance, similar to "above all".

of greatest importance

Clearly expresses the significance and priority, sharing a direct semantic connection with "above all".

before anything else

Directly indicates the order of priority, very closely aligning with the meaning of "above all".

foremost

Implies being first in rank or position, very similar to the sense of highest priority in "above all".

paramountly

This expresses supreme importance, mirroring the intensity of "above all" in a more formal way.

primarily

This alternative focuses on the main or principal aspect, offering a slightly more subdued emphasis.

chiefly

This alternative emphasizes the main reason or element, akin to "above all" but with a formal tone.

especially

This emphasizes a particular aspect or item from a group, not exactly the same level of importance as "above all".

in particular

This phrase draws specific attention to one aspect, similar to emphasizing importance, but it's less emphatic than "above all".

in the first place

Highlights priority and sequence, offering an ordered importance that "above all" implies.

FAQs

How can I use "above all" in a sentence?

Use "above all" to emphasize the most important point you want to make. For example, "Be kind above all" highlights kindness as the highest priority.

What are some alternatives to "above all"?

You can use alternatives like "most importantly", "primarily", or "chiefly" depending on the context.

Is "above all else" different from "above all"?

While similar, "above all else" may slightly intensify the emphasis, suggesting that nothing else is as important. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "above all" in writing?

Use "above all" when you want to clearly signal the single most critical element, be it a quality, action, or consideration, within your message. It is suitable for scenarios where prioritization is key.