our prime concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our prime concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important issue or priority in a given context. Example: "In this project, our prime concern is ensuring the safety of all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Unemployment should be our prime concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our prime concern is not nuclear negotiations, Mr Mesbah-Yazdi intoned, but rather the cultural policies of the new government.

The Economist

Encouraging earlier childbirth should be our prime concern, though, he adds: "This really is an issue for the whole of society.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"When it snows, our prime concern is to keep the streets open for emergency vehicles and police cars and other traffic," she said.

The New York Times

But our prime concern is with the Muslim community in this country.' Since 7 July he believed the MCB had been subjected to 'a campaign orchestrated by the pro-Israel lobby'.

The Guardian

Karl Battersby, of Rotherham Borough Council, said: "Public safety is our prime concern and we have to react to information that we receive.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Her health and safety must be your prime concern.

The New York Times - Magazine

* Amid what has been a sorry old week for our Prime Minister, concern in some quarters has again turned to the state of his exhaustively manicured barnet.

Independent

In a statement, the Department of Health said: "Protecting the public is the prime concern of our strategy, which has been shaped by advice from the most eminent specialists from the beginning.

The Guardian

Overbuilding is not a prime concern.

The New York Times

For me, that is the prime concern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "our prime concern", ensure the context clearly defines who "our" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "our prime concern" when addressing multiple concerns of roughly equal importance. In such cases, a more general phrase like "our main concerns" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our prime concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important issue or worry for a particular group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, indicating that it's a recognized and accepted expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our prime concern" is a grammatically sound and semantically precise phrase used to highlight the most important issue or priority for a group. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in written English. While alternatives such as "our main priority" or "our top priority" exist, "our prime concern" carries a specific weight emphasizing singular and overriding importance. This phrase is commonly found in news media and scientific publications, making it suitable for formal and neutral communication. It is important to clearly define who "our" refers to when utilizing this phrase. Finally, always be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intention of highlighting the single most crucial issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our main priority

Replaces "concern" with "priority", suggesting a more action-oriented focus.

our top priority

Emphasizes the highest level of importance, commonly used in business contexts.

our chief priority

Similar to "our main priority" but uses "chief" to emphasize the highest level of importance.

our foremost concern

Emphasizes the idea of being first in importance or sequence.

our central focus

Highlights the idea of having a core point of attention.

our key focus

Similar to central focus, but employs "key" for a slightly different nuance.

our principal consideration

Highlights the aspect of careful thought and evaluation.

our biggest worry

Shifts the focus to anxiety and apprehension rather than just importance.

the most important thing for us

A more descriptive alternative, explicitly stating importance.

what matters most to us

Emphasizes personal values and significance.

FAQs

How can I use "our prime concern" in a sentence?

You can use "our prime concern" to highlight the most important issue within a specific context. For example, "Our prime concern is ensuring the safety of all participants."

What phrases are similar to "our prime concern"?

Several alternatives exist, such as "our main priority", "our chief priority", or "our top priority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "our prime concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "our prime concern" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to clearly state the most important issue being addressed.

What is the difference between "our prime concern" and "our main concern"?

"Our prime concern" suggests the single most important issue, while "our main concern" can refer to one of several important issues. The word "prime" emphasizes a higher degree of importance than "main".