number one priority

USAGE SUMMARY

"number one priority" is a common expression used in written English and is correct to use.
Example: "Keeping my family safe is my number one priority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Public safety is our number one priority.

The Guardian - Tech

Our number one priority is public safety".

The Guardian

His family was his number one priority.

The Guardian

"Water is the number one priority".

The Guardian

That is my number one priority".

The Guardian - Sport

They are now my number one priority.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Our number-one priority is on education.

Vice

Their number-one priority.

The Washington Post

I'm my number-one priority.

The Guardian - Arts

The number-one priority is safety.

The Guardian - Music

But safety is our number-one priority.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "number one priority", ensure that it is followed by a clear and specific explanation of what that priority is. This avoids ambiguity and ensures that your audience understands the core focus.

Common error

Avoid using "number one priority" repeatedly in a single document or presentation. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your message seem less genuine. Instead, use synonyms or rephrase your sentences to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number one priority" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the single most important task, goal, or concern. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally considered correct. It is widely used to highlight what is deemed most crucial in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "number one priority" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the utmost importance of a specific goal, task, or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "number one priority", it's best practice to clearly define what that priority is to avoid ambiguity. While it's a useful phrase, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "top priority" or "main priority" can be used for variety. Ensure clear and specific communication to effectively convey your core focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top priority

Shorter and more concise, omitting "number one" but retaining the core meaning.

highest priority

Similar to "top priority" but slightly more formal.

main priority

Substitutes "number one" with "main", emphasizing the primary focus.

chief concern

Replaces "priority" with "concern", shifting the emphasis to an issue of importance.

primary focus

Focuses on the area of concentration rather than the level of importance.

foremost concern

Uses "foremost" to highlight the leading position of the concern.

paramount importance

Emphasizes the significance of something rather than its rank.

greatest importance

Highlights the degree of importance, not necessarily the ranking.

principal objective

Shifts the focus to the desired outcome rather than the immediate concern.

central aim

Replaces priority with a term indicating a goal or intention.

FAQs

How can I use "number one priority" in a sentence?

You can use "number one priority" to emphasize what is most important. For instance, "My "number one priority" is ensuring the safety of my family."

What phrases can I use instead of "number one priority"?

You can use alternatives such as "top priority", "main priority", or "chief concern" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the number one priority"?

While some may find it slightly redundant, saying "the "number one priority"" is a common and widely accepted way to emphasize the utmost importance of something.

What is the difference between "number one priority" and "high priority"?

"Number one priority" indicates the single most important thing, whereas "high priority" suggests something is important but not necessarily the most important. There can be several items of high priority, but only one number one priority.