our foremost concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our foremost concern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the primary issue or priority in a discussion or situation. Example: "In this project, our foremost concern is ensuring the safety of all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

With any injury, player safety is our foremost concern.

The New York Times - Sports

As always, the health and safety of those in need is our foremost concern".

The New York Times

"Our foremost concern is for the public safety," said Amy Cradic, a spokeswoman for the State Department of Environmental Protection.

The New York Times

"As a diverse community of local and international students of many faiths, respect and tolerance is our foremost concern and we will be monitoring the event carefully and any student concerns.

The Guardian

"Cancelling The Greenbrier Classic is certainly the most prudent course of action as our foremost concern is the well-being of those who are having to live through this tragic situation," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a news release.

The Guardian

Notice that if our foremost concern were to establish and sustain a society in which careers open to talents along with the substantive equality component of FEO is satisfied and there is also a high level of social mobility, one strategy would be to ban assortative mating or enact policies that discourage it.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When Rupert Murdoch flew to London last weekend to quarterback his company's defense, a reporter asked: What's your foremost concern?

The New Yorker

"Our first and foremost concern has always been our patients, and particularly those who have experienced complications.

The Guardian

Similarly, our first and foremost concern is the protection of Pakistani lives and the prosperity of our society.

Forbes

"Our first and foremost concern is that in no way do we want this to happen to any other individual.

The Guardian

Truth, integrity and trust is what really matters here and unless that is our first and foremost concern, then this country is in deeper trouble than any of us realize!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal communication, using "our foremost concern" can effectively highlight the top priority. However, balance formality with clarity to prevent sounding overly bureaucratic.

Common error

Avoid using "our foremost concern" repeatedly in a single document or speech. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your communication sound monotonous. Use synonyms and rephrase to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our foremost concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important issue or worry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically appears as the subject complement or object of a sentence, highlighting what is being prioritized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "our foremost concern" is a grammatically correct and effective way to emphasize the most important issue or priority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, media, and professional communications. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "our main priority" or "our top priority" can be used for variety. Its purpose is to clearly communicate what is being prioritized in a situation. Based on the analysis, the phrase is uncommon, suggesting targeted and careful application for maximum effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our main priority

Changes the wording to emphasize prioritization instead of concern, slightly shifting the focus.

our top priority

Replaces "foremost concern" with a common synonym for the highest priority.

our chief concern

Substitutes "foremost" with "chief", offering a slightly more formal tone.

our primary worry

Replaces "concern" with "worry", emphasizing the emotional aspect of the issue.

our biggest worry

Uses "biggest" instead of "foremost", making it slightly less formal.

what matters most to us

Expresses the sentiment in a more personal and direct manner.

our overriding concern

Replaces "foremost" with "overriding", suggesting a concern that takes precedence over all others.

the most important thing to us

Emphasizes importance rather than concern, broadening the scope.

our utmost concern

Uses "utmost" to heighten the level of importance or worry.

what we care about most

Shifts the focus to caring and emphasizes a personal connection.

FAQs

What does "our foremost concern" mean?

The phrase "our foremost concern" signifies the most important issue or worry that is being considered. It indicates the highest priority or matter of greatest importance to the speaker or group.

What can I say instead of "our foremost concern"?

You can use alternatives like "our main priority", "our top priority", or "our primary worry" depending on the context.

Is "foremost concern" formal or informal?

"Foremost concern" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "main worry" or "top priority" might be more appropriate.

How do I use "our foremost concern" in a sentence?

Use "our foremost concern" to introduce the most important issue. For example, "Our foremost concern is ensuring the safety of all participants" or "The company's foremost concern is maintaining its reputation".