are not a priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not a priority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not considered important or urgent in a given context. Example: "While we appreciate your suggestions, they are not a priority for our current project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Desserts are not a priority here.

The New York Times

"They are not a priority for me.

The Guardian - Film

Victims of rape are not a priority for the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in many places, women's lives are not a priority.

The New York Times

"Let's just say it is clear that we are not a priority," he added.

The New Yorker

Though funk CDs exist in Brazil, recordings are not a priority for the musicians.

The New Yorker

"With all the stuff happening in the state now," she said, "parrots are not a priority".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Maybe hyphens just aren't a priority.

Los Angeles Times

It is not a priority".

Independent

Preservation was not a priority.

The New Yorker

Innovation was not a priority.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not a priority", ensure it's clear what is a priority to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Customer complaints are not a priority", specify "While we acknowledge customer complaints, product development is our current priority".

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly stating something "is not a priority" can sound dismissive. Consider alternative phrasing like "is being addressed later" or "is not the immediate focus" to maintain a more positive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not a priority" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating that the subject being discussed lacks importance or urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not a priority" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of importance or urgency. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase functions as a predicate adjective and is frequently employed across news, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring it does not come across as dismissive and considering alternative phrasing where a more positive tone is required. When something "are not a priority", be sure you clearly indicate what is, in order to avoid ambiguity. Based on the frequency of the phrase in the Ludwig examples, these are the top 5 most authoritative sources in order: The Guardian, The New York Times, TechCrunch, Vice, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not paramount

Replaces 'priority' with 'paramount', indicating something isn't of utmost importance.

are not of great concern

Indicates a lack of worry or importance, focusing on concern rather than priority.

are not significant

Emphasizes the lack of significance or importance of something.

are not essential

Highlights that something is not necessary or crucial.

are not critical

Stresses that something isn't in a state of crisis or high importance.

are not pressing

Implies a lack of urgency or immediate need.

are not central

Indicates that something is not at the core or center of attention.

are not a focus

Shifts from 'priority' to 'focus', indicating something isn't being concentrated on.

are secondary

Positions something as being of lesser importance compared to other things.

are not foremost

Indicates that something is not at the front or most important position.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are not a priority" to sound more positive?

You can use alternatives like "are not essential", "are not urgent", or "are not the main focus" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are not a priority"?

Yes, "are not a priority" is grammatically correct. It uses the plural "are" correctly with a subject that is understood to be plural or a general concept.

What does it mean when someone says something "is not a priority"?

It means that the item or task is not considered important or urgent compared to other matters. Resources and attention will be directed elsewhere first.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are not a priority"?

This phrase is suitable when you need to clearly communicate that something will not be addressed immediately or is of lesser importance compared to other tasks or concerns. Use it with caution in situations where it might sound dismissive.