be paramount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be paramount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is of the utmost importance or significance in a particular context. Example: "In our decision-making process, the safety of our employees must be paramount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My concern is that youths' well-being be paramount and that their rights come first.

Los Angeles Times

Safety should be paramount.

The New York Times - Sports

Whose rights should be paramount?

The New York Times

"It is, and should be paramount.

The New York Times

Their interests are and must be paramount.

The New York Times

Environmental stewardship should be paramount for any recreational boater.

The New York Times

"Free speech within the law should be paramount".

The New York Times

Because the consequences are catastrophic, safety must be paramount.

The New York Times

Execution will be paramount to their chances in the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

At times, price stability will be paramount, but not always.

The Economist

A shift in cultural consciousness would be paramount.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be paramount" when you want to clearly state that something is of the highest importance and should be considered before all other factors. It adds a formal and emphatic tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be paramount" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be most important" or "be key" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be paramount" functions as a predicate adjective, emphasizing the supreme importance or dominance of a particular noun or concept. It indicates that something is of the highest priority or significance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be paramount" is a phrase used to denote the highest level of importance or priority. It is grammatically correct and frequently found in formal contexts such as news reporting, scientific publications, and business communications. According to Ludwig AI, it is effective for emphasizing the critical nature of a subject, guiding decisions, and underscoring priorities. While the phrase is widely used, it's best suited for formal settings and less appropriate for casual conversations. Consider alternative phrases like "be essential" or "be the top priority" for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be of utmost importance

Replaces "paramount" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the high degree of importance.

be the highest priority

Focuses on prioritization, indicating that something should be addressed before other concerns.

be the most crucial

Emphasizes that something is critical and decisive.

be the key

Highlights something as being essential for achieving a particular outcome.

be essential

Directly states that something is indispensable or necessary.

take precedence

Indicates that something should come before everything else.

be the overriding concern

Suggests that a concern is dominant and takes priority over others.

be foremost

Highlights that something is at the front or head, implying priority.

be the chief concern

Replaces "paramount" with "chief concern" highlighting the main worry.

hold the highest rank

Uses ranking metaphor to emphasize the highest position something holds.

FAQs

How can I use "be paramount" in a sentence?

Use "be paramount" to emphasize the supreme importance of something. For example, "In this project, safety must "be paramount"".

What are some alternatives to "be paramount"?

You can use alternatives like "be of utmost importance", "be the highest priority", or "be essential depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is paramount" instead of "be paramount"?

Yes, "is paramount" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular noun or concept. "Be paramount" is often used in subjunctive or modal constructions (e.g., "It is crucial that safety "be paramount"").

In what contexts is "be paramount" most appropriate?

"Be paramount" is suitable for formal writing, professional communication, and situations where you need to convey a strong sense of importance. It's frequently seen in news reports, academic papers, and business documents.