make a priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a priority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of focusing on a specific task or goal over others. Example: "In order to meet our deadlines, we need to make a priority of completing the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For instance, promises to make a priority of public education.

The New York Times

(That is something the bank should make a priority).

The New York Times

In 2011, he instructed bishops to make a priority of rooting out sexual abuse by clerics.

The New Yorker

She said she would make a priority of improving oversight of food safety.

The New York Times

–What do you make a priority for your overall happiness everyday?

The Washington Post

Elected officials and the city manager have promised to make a priority of the entire plan.

The Washington Post

States and cities typically make a priority of repaying their bond holders, even before paying for essential services.

The New York Times

I would encourage the teams to make a priority the accessibility that the fans have to the drivers.

The Guardian - Sport

What Ann has done is make a priority an idea that has been percolating for a decade".

The New York Times

It is an affordable amount for a government that can make a priority of cutting inheritance tax".

The Guardian - Business

The government has also pledged to make a priority of collecting what are estimated to be billions of dollars in unpaid taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a priority", clearly state what action or item you are prioritizing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a priority" without specifying what concrete steps will be taken to address the prioritized item. Otherwise, it sounds like empty corporate speak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a priority" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate that something should be given more importance or attention than other things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a priority" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the importance of focusing on a specific task or goal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "prioritize" exist, "make a priority" often adds emphasis. When using this phrase, be clear about what you're prioritizing and how you plan to address it. Avoiding vague statements will enhance the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prioritize

This is a more concise and direct synonym, often used in business or project management contexts.

give precedence to

This phrase suggests a formal and deliberate act of ranking something higher than other things.

accord high priority to

A formal alternative, suggesting a deliberate allocation of importance.

place emphasis on

This alternative focuses on highlighting the importance of something, rather than necessarily taking action.

stress the importance of

This emphasizes the significance of something, often used in persuasive or educational contexts.

focus on

This indicates concentrating efforts and resources on a specific task or area.

underscore

Similar to 'emphasize', but more forceful and direct.

treat as paramount

This indicates something is considered of utmost importance, above all else.

highlight

This suggests drawing attention to something important, but doesn't necessarily imply action.

elevate the significance of

This implies raising the perceived importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "make a priority" in a sentence?

You can use "make a priority" when you want to express that something should be given more importance than something else. For example: "We need to "make a priority" of customer satisfaction this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "make a priority"?

Some alternatives to "make a priority" include "prioritize", "give precedence to", or "place emphasis on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make a priority of" or "prioritize"?

Both "make a priority of" and "prioritize" are correct, but "prioritize" is more concise. Use "make a priority of" if you want to add emphasis or sound more formal.

When should I avoid using the phrase "make a priority"?

Avoid using "make a priority" when it's obvious or redundant. For example, saying "we must "make a priority" of breathing" is unnecessary because breathing is inherently essential.