are given priority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are given priority over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance or precedence of one thing compared to another in various contexts, such as policies, procedures, or preferences. Example: "In our organization, employee well-being are given priority over profit margins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In both gospels, outsiders are given priority over those who are already in the fold.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Current tribalistic notions of Islam and the "ummah", where the imagined interests of Muslims in distant lands are given priority over the pressing needs of non-Muslim neighbours, can thus be seen as a Murjiite extreme.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could also lead to the cancellation of billions of dollars in existing contracts, as contracts for food and medicine are given priority over those for other goods on the way to Iraq from places like Russia.

The New York Times

In its name inefficient special interests are given priority over the common good.

Forbes

Reduces the risk to the taxpayer of a bank going bust by making sure those who have money deposited in bank accounts are given priority over other creditors.

BBC

Since PUs are given priority over SUs, PUs protection is achieved by a properly organized price and the size of the offered spectrum.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Many women said they were thrilled to be given priority over men.

The New York Times

The customer facing the all-aboard is given priority over the one with time to spare.

The New York Times

Xenophon does not believe one aspect can be given priority over the other.

The Guardian

The issue of freight traffic being given priority over passenger trains is only part of the problem.

The New York Times

A certain number of homeless people annually had been given priority over other applicants to receive Section 8.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are given priority over", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which tasks "are given priority over" others in a project plan.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "are given priority over". Whenever you write "are given priority over" it's always better to specify who is giving priority. For example, instead of 'Repairs are given priority over new installations', prefer 'The management gives repairs priority over new installations'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are given priority over" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is considered more important or takes precedence compared to something else. It establishes a hierarchical relationship, highlighting which item or concept is favored. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "are given priority over" effectively conveys that something is deemed more important than something else. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC. While the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, it is used to guide decision-making and allocate resources by clearly establishing relative importance. Alternative expressions such as "take precedence over" and "are favored over" can be employed to impart subtle variations in meaning, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take precedence over

Emphasizes formal ranking or order.

are favored over

Highlights a preference or partiality.

are preferred to

Suggests a choice based on liking or suitability.

are considered more important than

Directly states a higher level of importance.

are ranked higher than

Indicates a specific hierarchical order.

are valued over

Focuses on the worth or merit assigned.

are elevated above

Implies a raising to a superior position.

are given more weight than

Highlights the influence or impact.

outweigh

Implies a greater significance or impact.

supersede

Suggests replacement or taking the place of.

FAQs

How can I use "are given priority over" in a sentence?

You can use "are given priority over" to show that one thing is considered more important than another. For example, "In the emergency room, patients with life-threatening conditions "are given priority over" those with minor injuries".

What's a formal alternative to "are given priority over"?

A more formal alternative to "are given priority over" is "take precedence over". For instance, "Safety regulations "take precedence over" cost considerations".

Is it better to say "are given priority over" or "is given priority over"?

Use "are given priority over" for plural subjects and "is given priority over" for singular subjects. For example, "Essential tasks are given priority over routine tasks", but "This critical project is given priority over all other projects".

What's the difference between "are given priority over" and "are given preference over"?

"Are given priority over" implies a ranking based on importance or urgency, while "are given preference over" suggests a choice based on liking or suitability. For example, "Experienced candidates "are given preference over" inexperienced ones", meaning they are liked more. "Urgent requests "are given priority over" routine inquiries", meaning they are more important.