has precedence over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has precedence over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one thing takes priority or is more important than another in a specific context. Example: "In this case, the safety regulations have precedence over personal preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

And because omertà has precedence over the law, few mafia murders are solved.

The New York Times

Primate, in Christianity, an ecclesiastical title for a bishop in some churches who has precedence over a number of other bishops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dukedom now passes to his only son, Hugh Grosvenor, 25, who through primogeniture has precedence over two older sisters, Lady Tamara and Lady Edwina.

The Guardian

By this he meant, I think, that the effect of the music on its listeners, and indeed performers, has precedence over its literal construction.

The Guardian - Music

They happen when he is waiting for the school bus, or in the shower (conversation still has precedence over privacy) or most recently, over breakfast.

The New York Times

The personal has precedence over the team interest, so there is a lack of team spirit, and this makes it impossible to create winners.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Pope Francis, for example, was a cardinal-priest.Even though cardinals have precedence over other Catholic prelates, what they hold is more of a title than a rank.

The Economist

The plaintiffs are not arguing whether an older daughter should have precedence over her younger brother in the line of succession.

The Guardian

The paradox is that the kafala is not a law but a tradition that seems to have precedence over the labour law.

The Guardian

They relaxed their traditional principles and practice because the establishment of the Party seemed a necessity that had precedence over all others.

The New Yorker

Besides, asks Mr Fukao, why should policyholders, who in bankruptcy proceedings have precedence over subordinated-debt holders, lose out first?In any case, the government needs to tread carefully.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has precedence over", ensure that the context clearly establishes why one element is more important or should be considered first. This clarifies the reasoning and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has precedence over" without clearly defining the criteria for precedence. This can lead to confusion if the basis for prioritization is unclear or subjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has precedence over" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that one item, concept, or rule is more important or authoritative than another. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has precedence over" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that one thing is more important or authoritative than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As seen in the numerous examples, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the criteria for precedence to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "takes priority over" or "is prioritized over" can be used for slight variations in emphasis, remember that all choices depend on context, for example takes precedence sounds slightly more formal than other alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes precedence over

A more formal variation of the original phrase, emphasizing importance.

takes priority over

Emphasizes the act of prioritizing something above others.

is prioritized over

Highlights the prioritization as a process or decision.

outranks

Implies a hierarchical order where one element is superior in rank.

is preeminent over

Highlights the superior importance or excellence of something.

supersedes

Indicates that something replaces or overrides another.

is superior to

Expresses that something is better or of higher quality.

prevails over

Suggests that something triumphs or is more powerful.

is dominant over

Implies that something has controlling power or influence.

holds sway over

Suggests that something exerts influence or control.

FAQs

How to use "has precedence over" in a sentence?

Use "has precedence over" to indicate that one thing is more important or should be considered before another. For example, "In this legal matter, federal law "has precedence over" state law."

What can I say instead of "has precedence over"?

You can use alternatives like "takes priority over", "is prioritized over", or "outranks" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "has precedence over" or "takes precedence over"?

Both ""has precedence over"" and "takes precedence over" are correct. The choice depends on the intended meaning. The former refers to an existing hierarchical arrangement, and the latter to action.

What's the difference between "has precedence over" and "has priority over"?

While similar, ""has precedence over"" often implies a more formal or established order, whereas "has priority over" can refer to a more immediate or situational need for attention.