as a top priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a top priority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of a task or issue that needs immediate attention. Example: "We must address the safety concerns as a top priority to ensure the well-being of our employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One lot are Belarussian nationalists who see the reversal of Russification as a top priority.

The Economist

Both claim education as a top priority.

The New York Times - Magazine

Billups and Stoudemire listed big men as a top priority.

The New York Times - Sports

Highfield has targeted growth in digital as a top priority.

The Guardian

Just 4% flagged up personal debt as a top priority.

The Guardian

Though pain management has been targeted as a top priority, it continues to be inadequately addressed.

Pain Management Nursing

He has repeatedly listed courting foreign investment as a top priority.

The Economist

Alleviating global poverty was identified as a top priority in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another key reform would be to reclaim academics as a top priority.

The New York Times

Only 3percentt said they considered valet parking to be important as a top priority.

The New York Times

This step is part of the administration's focus on cybersecurity as a top priority.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a top priority", ensure it clearly indicates what actions will be taken and what the expected outcomes are. Provide context to show why it's so crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "as a top priority" too frequently without genuine reason. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make it sound insincere or like you don't understand the importance of prioritization. Use it selectively to highlight truly critical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a top priority" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the high level of importance or urgency assigned to a particular action or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a top priority" is a versatile and frequently used expression for emphasizing the importance of a task or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and business communications. When using "as a top priority", it's essential to be clear about what the priority entails and why it is critical, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "of utmost importance" or "a key focus" can add variety while conveying similar meaning. By using this phrase judiciously and with clear purpose, writers can effectively communicate the need for focused attention and resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

number one priority

Rephrases "top" with "number one", slightly less formal.

of utmost importance

Emphasizes the extreme importance of something; slightly more formal.

a key focus

Highlights that something is a central element of attention or effort.

a primary concern

Indicates that something is the main source of worry or attention.

a chief objective

Highlights something is a main goal or aim to be achieved.

paramount

A single-word alternative denoting supreme importance; very formal.

high on the agenda

Indicates that something is scheduled to be dealt with promptly.

foremost

Emphasizes that something comes first in order or importance; somewhat formal.

critically important

Emphasizes the critical nature of something being important.

essential

Indicates that something is absolutely necessary or needed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as a top priority" in a sentence?

To effectively use "as a top priority", clearly state what the priority is and why it's crucial. For instance, "Ensuring customer satisfaction is "as a top priority" to maintain our brand reputation" clearly defines the priority and its importance.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "as a top priority"?

You can use alternatives like "of utmost importance", "a key focus", or "a primary concern" to convey similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as the top priority" instead of "as a top priority"?

While "as the top priority" might seem grammatically similar, "as a top priority" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. "As the top priority" could imply there's only one priority, whereas "as a top priority" suggests it's one among several important items.

When is it appropriate to use "as a top priority" in formal writing?

Use "as a top priority" in formal writing when you need to emphasize the importance of a particular task or goal. However, consider more formal alternatives like "of utmost importance" or "paramount" for greater formality.