first priorities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first priorities" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could say, "At the top of my list of priorities is family, health, and work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Republicans made it one of their first priorities in Congress.

The Economist

The first priorities must be food, water, medicine and shelter.

The New York Times

Looking after myself is now one of my first priorities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The new government made the restoration of the Northeast one of its first priorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thirty years ago, taming inflation and making the country governable were Mrs Thatcher's first priorities.

The Economist

Tackling the counterfeiters will be one of the venture's first priorities, but not the only one.

Independent

One of the program's first priorities was to increase the supply of smallpox vaccine.

The New York Times - Magazine

In choosing the projects, the first priorities were health and safety, she said.

The New York Times

Among the governor's first priorities is dealing with a $4.4 billion budget deficit.

The New York Times

And these will be our first priorities, and on these principles, there will be no compromise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The first priorities are to improve storage conditions and undertake conservation work on the most vulnerable manuscripts.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize realistically. List what can be realistically tackled with available resources and within a reasonable timeframe as "first priorities".

Common error

Avoid listing too many items as "first priorities". Overloading this list can dilute focus and effectiveness, making it difficult to address any single priority adequately. Limit your "first priorities" to a manageable number.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first priorities" typically functions as a noun phrase, identifying the most important items or tasks that need to be addressed initially. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it being used to describe the initial focus of governments, organizations, or individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first priorities" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the most important tasks or goals that should be addressed initially. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, with a neutral register. The phrase's frequency of use across news, science, and formal business settings underscores its versatility. To ensure clarity and focus, it's best to keep the list of "first priorities" concise and specific, avoiding overloading the list with too many items. Consider alternatives like "primary concerns" or "key objectives" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concerns

Focuses on the concerns that take precedence.

initial focus

Highlights the starting point of attention or effort.

topmost goals

Emphasizes the importance of the goals being set.

key objectives

Stresses the importance and attainability of the objectives.

most important tasks

Highlights the work that needs to be done first.

urgent matters

Focuses on the time-sensitive nature of the issues.

essential duties

Highlights the duties that are absolutely necessary.

foremost responsibilities

Emphasizes the responsibilities that come before others.

principal aims

Highlights the main aims or purposes.

leading priorities

Focuses on the priorities that take the lead.

FAQs

How can I effectively communicate my "first priorities" to a team?

Clearly articulate your "first priorities" in writing and verbally. Provide context and explain why these priorities are essential. Regularly revisit and reinforce these priorities in team meetings.

What are some synonyms for "first priorities" that I can use in my writing?

Consider using "primary concerns", "key objectives", or "most important tasks" as alternatives to "first priorities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I determine what my "first priorities" should be?

Assess the urgency and importance of each task or goal. Focus on items that have the greatest impact and require immediate attention. Align your "first priorities" with your overall objectives.

What should I do if my "first priorities" conflict with each other?

Evaluate the trade-offs and potential consequences of each priority. Consult with stakeholders to find a compromise or develop a strategy to address conflicting priorities sequentially. Consider re-evaluating your priorities to determine the best course of action.