are less of a priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are less of a priority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the relative importance of tasks, issues, or items in comparison to others. Example: "While we have many projects to tackle, some of them are less of a priority than others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Unlike retirement communities of the past, golf courses are less of a priority.

The Washington Post

Many buildings today have cameras in the lobby, but cameras in elevators are less of a priority, he added, and some buildings install them in service elevators but not in passenger elevators.

The New York Times

The Creature phase is the one that has generated the most publicity: it allows you to design an organism from scratch - although, in truth, aesthetic whims are less of a priority than making use of the body parts you acquire with their attendant properties.

The Guardian - Tech

*Television (-5%) and newspapers (-7%) are less of a priority than last year.

Forbes

Good genes, however, are less of a priority when judging someone as a potential long-term partner.

Forbes

Moreover, health worker numbers in Africa have often not kept up with population growth, not least because of the 'downsizing' cutbacks, which made little distinction between health staff and staff in other government activities which are less of a priority and where there might still be scope for reducing numbers.

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Ukraine is less of a priority.

The Washington Post

Jones, is less of a priority for the club.

The New York Times - Sports

But self-fulfillment and having fun were less of a priority.

University of California, Berkeley

Living close to the city center is less of a priority without a work commute.

The New York Times

In turn, cotton was less of a priority than the production of millet food crops.

Journal of Historical Geography

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "are not as important" or "take a backseat" for stylistic variation and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are less of a priority" without establishing a clear point of comparison. Failing to indicate what is a higher priority leaves the statement vague and open to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less of a priority" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating that certain items, tasks, or issues hold diminished importance relative to others. Ludwig's examples show its application across diverse contexts, highlighting its function in expressing relative significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are less of a priority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate diminished importance. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its wide applicability across various contexts like news, science, and business. Although the phrase is considered correct, remember that context is key, and always make sure the point of comparison is clearly established. Using alternatives such as "are not as important" or "take a backseat" can also provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not as important

Focuses on importance rather than prioritization.

are of lower importance

Emphasizes the level of importance being lower.

are not a primary concern

Shifts focus to the idea of a concern rather than a priority.

are secondary in importance

Highlights the concept of being second in line.

are not the main focus

Changes the concept from priority to focus.

are of reduced significance

Emphasizes the reduction in significance.

are not at the forefront

Uses a spatial metaphor to indicate reduced prominence.

are a lower-level task

Specifies the concept of a task that is lower in the hierarchy.

take a backseat

Uses an idiom to express a reduction in precedence.

are not a pressing issue

Highlights a lack of urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "are less of a priority" in a sentence?

You can use "are less of a priority" to indicate that certain tasks, issues, or items are not as important as others in a given context. For example, "While both projects are important, marketing efforts "are less of a priority" this quarter because we are focusing on product development."

What phrases are similar to "are less of a priority"?

Similar phrases include "are not as important", "are of lower importance", or "take a backseat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is less of a priority" instead of "are less of a priority"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is less of a priority" for singular subjects (e.g., 'This task is less of a priority'), and "are less of a priority" for plural subjects (e.g., 'These tasks are less of a priority').

What's the difference between "are less of a priority" and "are not a priority"?

"Are less of a priority" indicates a lower level of importance compared to something else, while "are not a priority" suggests that something is completely unimportant or will not be addressed at all. For example, “Minor bug fixes "are less of a priority" than critical security updates”, but “Redesigning the website "are not a priority" this year”.