first priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first priority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is the most important thing to consider when making a decision. For example, "Making sure our children receive a good education is our first priority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First priority?

The New Yorker

"First priority: to secure.

The New York Times

His first priority?

The New York Times

"This is the first priority.

The New York Times

Safety remains our first priority".

The Guardian

Safety is our first priority.

The New York Times

What is their first priority?

The Guardian

That's his first priority.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's our first priority".

The New York Times

First priority to undergrads.

Stanford University

The first priority is a vegetable garden.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first priority", clearly define what follows as subsequent priorities to avoid ambiguity. For instance, 'Our first priority is customer satisfaction; second, employee well-being.'

Common error

Avoid assuming that something is the "first priority" simply because it's urgent. Urgency relates to time-sensitivity, while priority relates to overall strategic importance. Not every urgent task is necessarily a top priority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first priority" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important thing to be addressed or considered. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to emphasize the primary focus or concern in a given situation, whether it involves safety, goals or needs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first priority" is a common and correct phrase used to designate the most important concern or task. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to distinguish between urgency and true strategic importance. Alternatives such as "top priority" or "main concern" can be used for variety, but "first priority" remains a clear and effective way to communicate precedence. Keep in mind is better to clarify the other priorities as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top priority

Implies a ranking of importance, with this item being at the very peak.

number one priority

Explicitly states that something is ranked as the most important.

main concern

Focuses on the central issue needing attention.

primary focus

Highlights the area where effort and resources are mainly directed.

chief aim

Emphasizes the principal goal or objective.

foremost task

Highlights the most important task that must be completed.

paramount importance

Indicates something of supreme significance.

principal obligation

Highlights a key responsibility or duty.

urgent matter

Focuses on something requiring immediate attention.

essential duty

Stresses the necessary nature of a task.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "first priority" in a sentence?

Use "first priority" to clearly state the most important thing to focus on. For example, "Our "first priority" is ensuring the safety of our employees."

What are some alternatives to using "first priority"?

You can use alternatives like "top priority", "main concern", or "primary focus" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "highest first priority"?

Yes, using "highest first priority" is typically redundant. The phrase "first priority" already implies the highest level of importance. Stick to ""first priority"" or ""top priority"" for clarity.

What's the difference between "first priority" and "a priority"?

"First priority" indicates the single most important thing, while "a priority" simply means something is important but not necessarily the most important. For instance, customer satisfaction might be the "first priority", while employee training is "a priority".