are the top priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are the top priority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance or urgency of certain tasks, goals, or issues in a given context. Example: "In our organization, customer satisfaction and safety are the top priority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Mostly, we would have to agree that winning, and banking the proceeds, are the top priority.

The New York Times - Sports

In a year when virtually every candidate says schools are the top priority, our choice is Robert Jackson.

The New York Times

The report also revealed that colleges are escalating their recruitment of transfer students and out-of-state students, who are the top priority for public and private institutions alike.

The New York Times

"There is a chance, Mr. President, in the next 357 days, to get real results and give the American people renewed optimism that their challenges are the top priority," she said.

The New York Times

The interlinked issues of borders, territory and settlements are the top priority for Palestinian negotiators, who insist that the pre-1967 line should be the basis of their future state.

The Guardian

A statement from the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said, "This illustrates the vulnerability to serious complications from flu among those in nursing homes and those who are over age 65 and underscores why they are the top priority to be vaccinated".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"That's the top priority".

The New York Times

"Authenticity is the top priority," Mr. Eichinger said.

The New York Times

Avoiding injury is the top priority.

The New York Times - Sports

The political scoreboard is the top priority.

The Guardian

That's got to be the top priority".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are the top priority", ensure that the context clearly defines who or what assigns this priority. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "are the top priority" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for more natural alternatives like "most important" or "main thing" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are the top priority" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject as the most important consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, reflecting its function in clearly defining what holds primary significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are the top priority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for emphasizing the highest importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across varied contexts, primarily in news, science, and formal communications. When writing, consider the context and choose more casual alternatives for informal situations. When you want to use more specific wording, phrases such as ""take precedence"" and ""are paramount"" can be considered depending on the scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take precedence

This alternative implies a higher level of importance and order of action.

are paramount

This suggests ultimate importance and outweighs other considerations.

are of utmost importance

This highlights the extreme significance of something.

are the main concern

This focuses on something being the primary source of worry or attention.

are the chief concern

Synonymous with "are the main concern", but uses different wording.

are crucial

Emphasizes the essential nature of something.

hold the highest rank

Emphasizes a hierarchical structure where something is at the top.

are key

Implies that something is essential to achieving a particular outcome.

are central

Indicates that something is the core or focus of attention.

come first

This suggests immediate attention and action before anything else.

FAQs

What does "are the top priority" mean?

When something "are the top priority", it means they are the most important things to address or focus on. They take precedence over other considerations.

What can I say instead of "are the top priority"?

You can use alternatives like "take precedence", "are paramount", or "are of utmost importance" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is the top priority"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on whether you're referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is the top priority" for a single item or concept and "are the top priority" for multiple items or concepts.

How to use "are the top priority" in a sentence?

Use "are the top priority" to emphasize the importance of certain goals or tasks. For example, "Ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining high-quality products are the top priority for our company."