number one thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"number one thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most important thing in a list or the top priority in a given situation. For example, "Time management is the number one thing I need to focus on in my new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For me, that's the number one thing.

The Guardian

Our number one thing is supplying products to consumers.

MIT Technology Review

He thinks that's the number one thing in life".

The Guardian

"Focus was the number one thing," Green said.

The Guardian - Sport

But the number one thing was: did they have heart?

The Guardian

"Efficiency is probably the number one thing overall that drives aircraft design," Barrett says.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is the number one thing you can do to boost your credit score.

The Washington Post

"Being patient is the number one thing for me," he said.

The Washington Post

Awareness is number one thing.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Formula One is my number-one thing, but that's not popular here, I think.

Harvard University

The songs are the a-number-one thing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "number one thing" to clearly and directly state the most important aspect or priority in a given situation for maximum clarity.

Common error

In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "primary focus" or "key aspect" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number one thing" functions as a noun phrase identifying the single most important item, aspect, or consideration within a given context. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "number one thing" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to emphasize the utmost importance of something. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Examples reveal its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as academic and wiki sources. While versatile, it's important to consider context and opt for more formal alternatives like "primary focus" or "key aspect" in professional or academic settings to avoid sounding too casual. Overall, "number one thing" effectively communicates the concept of highest priority or significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top priority

Highlights the importance of something above all else, emphasizing strategic focus.

main concern

Focuses on the primary source of worry or attention.

key aspect

Emphasizes a particularly important element within a larger context.

most crucial element

Stresses the vital and indispensable nature of something.

central point

Highlights the core idea or argument.

prime objective

Focuses on the main goal or aim to be achieved.

foremost issue

Emphasizes the prominence and urgency of a particular problem.

chief consideration

Highlights the most important factor to take into account.

primary focus

Highlights what is at the center of attention or effort.

paramount importance

Emphasizes the supreme significance of something.

FAQs

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

Use "number one thing" to emphasize the most important element or priority. For example, "The "top priority" is ensuring customer satisfaction."

What's a more formal alternative to "number one thing"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "primary focus", "key aspect", or "main concern" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "number one thing" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "number one thing" may sound too informal for some academic contexts. Alternatives like "most crucial element" or "chief consideration" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "number one thing" and "top priority"?

While similar, "number one thing" is a more general expression for importance. "Top priority" specifically indicates something that needs immediate attention or action within a set of tasks or goals.