be given primacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be given primacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something should be prioritized or considered more important than other things. Example: "In this discussion, the needs of the community must be given primacy over individual interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Economists long ago put to rest the error that Adam Smith made when he argued that manufacturing should be given primacy in a country's economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a long and thoughtful opinion, Judge Moore agreed with Ms. Reno that the father's wish to be reunited with his son should "be given primacy in law and fact".

The New York Times

Darwin's theory should be given primacy in the scientific education of our youth not because it is inherently true, but because it has the most effective predictive power of all competing theories.

The New York Times - Science

While there is an acknowledgment of the importance of geographic and historical context in contemporary feminist scholarship on the relationship between domestic violence and warfare, there remains an assumption that mainstream narratives will tend to separate these forms of violence or, if connections are acknowledged, warfare will be given primacy.

Political Geography

In a report issued by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the Vatican argued that "politics — which is responsible for the common good" must be given primacy over the economy and finance, and that existing institutions like the International Monetary Fund had not been responding adequately to global economic problems.

The New York Times

Bhattacharyya et al. question the lack of clarity as to how to translate theory reliably into intervention design and why any one theory should be given primacy over another [ 25], while Oxman et al. argue that less rather than more focus is needed on theory [ 26].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Bathrooms are given primacy at this old electricity plant on the banks of Nieuwe Maas river.

Independent

The need for secrecy is being given primacy above everything else.

The Guardian

Stroom, Rotterdam Bathrooms are given primacy at this old electricity plant on the banks of Nieuwe Maas river.

Independent

However open-minded, a bereaved partner may take umbrage when a previous partner is given primacy as lover or muse.

The Guardian - Books

The experimental results are given primacy, and then the model must be modified by trial and error methodologies of model updating approach.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be given primacy", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being prioritized and why. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

While "be given primacy" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct and impactful, such as "prioritize" or "emphasize".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given primacy" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is being prioritized or considered most important. It's commonly used to express a deliberate decision to value one aspect over others, as illustrated by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be given primacy" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something is being prioritized. Ludwig's analysis shows it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a formal register. While "be given primacy" is accurate, consider using active voice alternatives like "take precedence" for a more direct style. The AI confirms its usability, emphasizing its role in situations where prioritization is key. Always ensure clarity regarding what is being prioritized to maximize the phrase's effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take precedence

Focuses on the action of preceding others in order or importance.

be prioritized

Highlights the act of assigning a higher priority.

be considered paramount

Emphasizes the supreme importance or dominance of something.

be deemed most important

Stresses the judgment or evaluation of something's significance.

be held as supreme

Indicates that something is regarded as the highest in rank or authority.

be treated as superior

Focuses on the act of treating something as better than others.

be regarded as primary

Highlights the view of something as first in order or importance.

be emphasized

Focuses on placing stress or importance on something

be valued above all else

Highlights the high value or worth placed on something compared to everything else.

outweigh other considerations

Emphasizes that something is of greater weight or importance than other factors.

FAQs

How can I use "be given primacy" in a sentence?

Use "be given primacy" when you want to express that something should be considered more important than other things. For example, "In this project, client satisfaction must be given primacy".

What are some alternatives to "be given primacy"?

You can use alternatives like "take precedence", "be prioritized", or "be deemed most important", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "be given primacy" or "take precedence"?

"Be given primacy" and "take precedence" are often interchangeable, but "take precedence" is more active and direct. The choice depends on the desired tone and emphasis.

What does it mean for something to "be given primacy"?

To "be given primacy" means that something is considered the most important thing and is therefore prioritized above other considerations. It suggests a deliberate decision to value one thing over others.