chief priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief priority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important task or concern in a given context. Example: "Our chief priority this quarter is to improve customer satisfaction and retention rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Cuomo's timing depends, to some degree, on the state budget, his chief priority.

The New York Times

Though their chief priority is to start to design for industrial production, or to try to.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite those hurdles, officials of public institutions say that tapping philanthropy has become a chief priority.

The New York Times

There, his chief priority was helping American corporations pin down overseas contracts.

The New York Times - Books

In an emergency, the outcomes – not the motives – should be the chief priority.

The Guardian

She has indicated that legislation to curb global warming will be a chief priority.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Ms. Whitman put integrating Autonomy among her chief priorities when she took over.

The New York Times

But the company says that enabling its users to call regular telephones is one of its chief priorities.

The New York Times

He will also be forced to expand his knowledge of cybersecurity, which Mr. Mueller made one of the bureau's chief priorities after counterterrorism.

The New York Times

That fight is likely to be among the chief priorities of the NSA and the FBI next year, backed by the White House.

The Guardian

When Mr. Klein joined CNN in 2004, he said two of his chief priorities were the 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. weeknight programs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief priority", ensure it genuinely represents the single most important thing. Avoid using it loosely for things that are merely important.

Common error

Avoid embedding "chief priority" within overly complex sentence structures. Clarity is key, so keep the sentence straightforward to emphasize the priority effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief priority" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object to emphasize the most important task or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief priority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that effectively communicates the most important task or concern in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "top priority" or "main priority" exist, "chief priority" retains its value for emphasizing the paramount importance of something. When using it, ensure it truly represents the single most important thing to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Top priority

Replaces "chief" with "top", emphasizing the hierarchical importance.

Main priority

Uses "main" instead of "chief", a more common and slightly less formal alternative.

Highest priority

Emphasizes the superlative nature of the priority.

Key priority

Highlights the essential nature of the priority.

Primary concern

Shifts focus from 'priority' to 'concern', indicating a matter of significant worry or attention.

Principal objective

Replaces 'priority' with 'objective', framing it as a goal to be achieved.

Central focus

Emphasizes the concentration of effort or attention.

Overriding concern

Indicates a concern that takes precedence over all others.

Most important thing

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning, suitable for informal contexts.

Foremost task

Highlights the task-oriented nature of the priority.

FAQs

How can I use "chief priority" in a sentence?

You can use "chief priority" to emphasize the most important thing in a given context. For example, "The company's "chief priority" is to increase revenue this year".

What are some alternatives to "chief priority"?

Alternatives include "top priority", "main priority", or "highest priority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "chief priority" formal or informal?

"Chief priority" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, though alternatives like "main priority" might be preferred in more informal settings.

What's the difference between "chief priority" and "main focus"?

"Chief priority" emphasizes the importance and order of tasks, while "main focus" highlights the area where the most attention is directed. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but "chief priority" often implies a sense of urgency or required action.