first importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of first importance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is of great importance or to express the highest priority. For example: "Ensuring the safety of our citizens is of first importance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Deregulation and limiting government spending were important, Wanniski conceded, but monetary reform was of the first importance.

Forbes

This shaping is of the first importance.

The Guardian

This is a question of first importance," Mao wrote.

The Economist

It was hailed by this newspaper as a "political event of the first importance".

The Guardian

Who are our friends?" This, Mao said, was "a question of first importance for the revolution".

The New Yorker

He was the author of an impressive number of works of the first importance.

The Guardian

The correct choice of conditions of display and storage is, therefore, of the first importance.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, this disease is the fourth important NCD cause of death and the sixth importance NCD cause of loss of quality of life in this country.

Health Economics Review

Nonetheless, what Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in 1832 about New England, where "the State itself, as compared with the town, has only a second importance," apparently still holds true.

The New York Times

Of second importance are the three anti-PM/Scl-positive DM patients.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

First, the importance placed on tacit knowledge and skills.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first importance", ensure that the context clearly establishes what other considerations, if any, are of secondary importance. This helps to provide a complete picture and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "first importance" when multiple factors are equally crucial. It's better to acknowledge that several elements hold equal significance rather than falsely create a hierarchy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first importance" functions as a noun phrase that signifies something of highest priority or significance. It often appears after a preposition like "of" to modify a preceding noun or clause. Ludwig examples confirm its role in emphasizing importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first importance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that highlights the paramount significance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize the critical nature of a particular factor, decision, or action. The phrase is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "paramount importance" or "utmost importance". When writing, remember to use the phrase to indicate what is essential and avoid redundancy. Ludwig examples illustrate that clarity and focus when something holds "first importance" is critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paramount importance

Emphasizes the supreme importance or rank, often used in formal contexts.

utmost importance

Highlights the highest degree of importance, suggesting something is crucial.

highest priority

Focuses on the order of importance, indicating it should be addressed before others.

primary importance

Indicates the main or initial importance, setting a foundation for others.

chief importance

Stresses the leading or principal importance among others.

greatest significance

Emphasizes the noteworthy value and impact.

top priority

Highlights that something needs to be handled before all others.

key importance

Emphasizes its role as being essential and fundamental.

critical importance

Implies that a matter is fundamental and any failure to address it has grave impacts.

cardinal importance

Highlights its role as being essential and fundamental.

FAQs

How can I use "first importance" in a sentence?

Use "first importance" to emphasize the paramount nature of something. For instance, "Ensuring patient safety is of "first importance" in healthcare settings."

What are some alternatives to using "first importance"?

You can use alternatives like "paramount importance", "utmost importance", or "highest priority" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "of utmost first importance"?

Yes, using both "utmost" and "first" is redundant because both words already indicate the highest degree. Stick to either "utmost importance" or ""first importance"".

What is the difference between "first importance" and "secondary importance"?

"First importance" denotes the highest level of priority, while "secondary importance" refers to something that is important but less critical than the primary concern.