and above all

USAGE SUMMARY

"and above all" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize something as being the most important or noteworthy point in a list of items. For example: "I'm grateful for my health, my family, and above all, my faith."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, above all, loud.

The Economist

And, above all, for meaning.

Independent

And above all, the money.

Independent

And above all read!

The Guardian - Books

And, above all, how would England fare?

The New Yorker

And, above all, to do it quietly.

The New Yorker

And, above all: nobody's perfect.

The New Yorker

And above all, remember No4.

The Guardian - Sport

Yeah!" – and above all, funny.

The Guardian

And above all, individual validation.

The Guardian - Sport

And above all, we have to commit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "and above all", ensure the preceding elements are already understood or stated, allowing the final point to resonate effectively as the key takeaway.

Common error

Avoid using "and above all" too frequently in close proximity. Overusing emphasis diminishes its impact and can make your writing seem hyperbolic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and above all" functions as an emphatic conjunction, serving to highlight a particular element as the most significant in a series or list. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing how it emphasizes a final point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and above all" functions as an emphatic conjunction, used to highlight the most important element in a list or series. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. To use "and above all" effectively, emphasize a key point by placing it at the end of a list, avoiding overuse to maintain impact. Alternative phrases include "most importantly" and "above everything else". By understanding its function and appropriate context, writers can leverage "and above all" to emphasize the most critical aspects of their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above everything else

Stresses that something is more important than all other considerations.

most importantly

Emphasizes importance, similar to "and above all", but with a slightly different structure.

paramountly

Indicates something of the highest importance.

more than anything

Emphasizes the supreme importance of a particular thing.

primarily

Indicates the main focus, similar in highlighting the key aspect.

first and foremost

Highlights the initial and most important consideration.

critically

Highlights something of critical importance.

especially

Highlights a specific element as particularly noteworthy.

in particular

Similar to especially, pointing out a specific item of importance.

fundamentally

Focuses on the basic and essential aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "and above all" to emphasize the most crucial point following a list or a series of related ideas. For instance, "We need dedication, skill, and "above all", perseverance to succeed".

What are some alternatives to "and above all" for emphasizing a key point?

You can use alternatives like "most importantly", "above everything else", or "primarily" to emphasize a key point. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example, in some cases you may want to use "most importantly", or "above everything else".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "and above all"?

While it is more common to use "and above all" within a sentence, starting a sentence with "and above all" is grammatically acceptable for emphasis, especially in informal writing. However, consider whether a different structure might be clearer or more impactful.

What's the difference between "and above all" and "most importantly"?

"And above all" and "most importantly" are similar but "and above all" tends to follow a series of points, highlighting the ultimate one, while "most importantly" can introduce a key point at any time. Context determines which phrase is more suitable.