above anything else

USAGE SUMMARY

"above anything else" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used when you want to emphasize a particular point. For example: "Above anything else, always make sure to follow your heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Heads and shoulders above anything else".

The New Yorker

"I'm a pragmatist above anything else.

The Washington Post

"She stressed the fundamentals above anything else".

The New York Times

Ergonomics/human factors is, above anything else, a systems discipline and profession, applying a systems philosophy and systems approaches.

Applied Ergonomics

His commitment and responsibility is above anything else.

The Guardian - Sport

"God knows, I love nice prose almost above anything else".

The Guardian - Books

Again, it's seafood, but it's a cut above anything else.

The Guardian - Travel

As a mathematician, I can attest that my field is really about ideas above anything else.

The New York Times

A mom is supposed to put her children above anything else".

The New York Times - Sports

"Being happy, kind and obedient is valued almost above anything else".

Independent

"He's always put country and commonwealth above anything else," said a beaming Kaine.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "above anything else" to clearly signal the most important factor or consideration in a given situation. This can help focus the reader's attention on the key takeaway.

Common error

Avoid using "above anything else" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "most importantly" or "primarily" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above anything else" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the highest priority or importance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in a written context. It is used to emphasize a particular point over all others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "above anything else" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the highest priority or importance of a particular element. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various types of sources, especially news and media. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context and register to ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone. Remember to use it to pinpoint the key takeaway for your reader, but avoid overuse in more informal settings. Alternatives like "most importantly" or "primarily" may be more suitable in those cases. Furthermore, using "above anything else" can help prioritize the things that are most important within a given sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than anything else

Replaces "above" with "more than", slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning of prioritization.

before all else

Similar to "above anything else", but with a slightly more formal tone and focuses on precedence.

first and foremost

Emphasizes the order of importance, placing something at the very top of priorities.

most importantly

Focuses on the aspect of importance, omitting the comparative element of "anything else".

more than all other things

Expands the phrasing to explicitly state the comparison with all other things.

over all other considerations

Adds a dimension of deliberation and assessment to the prioritization.

primarily

Highlights the primary concern or focus, simplifying the expression.

especially

Highlights a particular item as being more important than others in a group.

chiefly

Simplifies the expression to a single adverb indicating main importance.

in the first place

Highlights what comes before other things or actions and can be used as a synonym in specific context.

FAQs

How can I use "above anything else" in a sentence?

Use "above anything else" to emphasize the most crucial aspect or priority. For example, "Above anything else, ensure you understand the instructions before starting the exam."

What are some alternatives to "above anything else"?

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

Is there a difference between "above anything else" and "more than anything else"?

While similar, "above anything else" implies a hierarchical order of importance, whereas "more than anything else" emphasizes preference or desire. The phrase "more than anything else" focuses on a feeling or inclination.

When is it appropriate to use "above anything else" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly highlight the single most important factor among many. It is suitable for situations where establishing a hierarchy of importance is useful for the reader.