gain primacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain primacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is becoming the most important or dominant factor in a situation. Example: "In recent years, environmental concerns have begun to gain primacy in public policy discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

New classical economics had arrived, and it began to gain primacy in government, in economics departments, and in textbooks.

The New Yorker

When a democratic society such as India develops economically, a societal imperative to address human rights concerns begins to gain primacy.

The New York Times

But that openness also makes it hard for these materials to gain primacy in the lives of their students when they are just sitting on the web like every other web page.

TechCrunch

"The notion that we must avoid race with the middle is wrong: remaining silent on this helps our opposition's toxic worldview gain primacy," the group said in a recent report that urged Democrats to be explicit about race (say "working people, whether white, Black, or brown" instead of just "working people," for example).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If the parliament wins, gaining primacy in deciding who leads the commission, the outcome will change the way business is done in Brussels.

The Guardian

Collins gained primacy over Thomas as the No. 1 analyst, a title NBC bestowed on him despite his lack of experience.

The New York Times - Sports

And the only way to stop those issues from gaining primacy and gaining voice is voter suppression". In other words, Republicans are trying to hang on as long as possible to a diminishing demographic so they need to whip up the white vote and make it extraordinarily difficult for nonwhites and the poor to vote.

The Washington Post

And, once it became clear that the theory of gravity provided a far more effective means than observation for precisely characterizing complex orbital motions — just as Newton had proposed in the Principia in the case of the orbit of the Moon — physical theory gained primacy over observation for purposes of answering specific questions about the world.

SEP

Despite the proliferation of terms, no system has emerged from them, and none of the terms listed in Table 1 has gained primacy or currency in the literature.

Plosone

No one model or conceptualization has gained primacy in this area, but cognitive models of the etiology of PTSD have attempted to explain the memory abnormalities seen.

Critical Care

More specifically, full-length p19Arf triggers a rapid, p53-dependent nuclear response, whereas the short form, smArf, activates a slowly evolving, mitochondria-based autophagy program that gains primacy when p53 is dysfunctional.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain primacy" when you want to emphasize the process of something becoming the most important factor or consideration.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "gain primacy" in casual conversations or informal writing can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "become more important" or "take priority" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain primacy" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of achieving a leading or dominant position. It suggests that something is in the process of becoming the most important or influential element.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain primacy" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of something becoming the most important or dominant element in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, albeit more commonly in formal settings. While alternatives like "achieve dominance" or "attain superiority" exist, "gain primacy" specifically emphasizes the act of achieving that leading position. Its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its appropriateness for analytical and descriptive writing, cautioning against overuse in informal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve dominance

This alternative focuses on attaining a leading position, emphasizing control and influence.

attain superiority

This suggests reaching a state of being better or more advanced than others.

establish ascendancy

Highlights the process of securing a position of power and influence.

rise to prominence

Implies an increase in visibility and importance within a specific field or context.

secure precedence

Focuses on gaining the right to be considered before others, often in a formal setting.

become paramount

Indicates reaching the highest level of importance or significance.

take the lead

Suggests assuming a leadership role or position of control.

gain the upper hand

Emphasizes obtaining an advantage or controlling position in a competitive situation.

assume control

Focuses on taking charge or managing a situation or entity.

acquire authority

Highlights the process of obtaining the right to give orders or make decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "gain primacy" in a sentence?

You can use "gain primacy" to describe a situation where something is becoming more important or dominant. For example, "In recent years, environmental concerns have begun to "gain primacy" in public policy discussions."

What are some alternatives to "gain primacy"?

Some alternatives to "gain primacy" include "achieve dominance", "attain superiority", or "rise to prominence" depending on the specific context.

Is "gain primacy" formal or informal?

"Gain primacy" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "become more important" or "take priority" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean for something to "gain primacy"?

When something "gains primacy", it means it is becoming the most important or influential factor in a particular situation or context.