paramount to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase paramount to is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when referring to something that is absolutely essential or most important. For example, "Being punctual is paramount to having a successful career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But isn't defense paramount to success?

The New York Times

Appearances are paramount to Bernarda.

The New York Times

Family was paramount to the brothers Colaio.

The New York Times

Culture is paramount to producing great work.

The Guardian

Location is paramount to the company, too.

The New York Times

I think it is paramount to have this centre".

Independent

Its traditions are paramount to Saturdays across the land.

Independent

Execution will be paramount to their chances in the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

Your security and peace of mind are paramount to us.

The New York Times

Jobs and services are paramount to keep the economy moving".

The Guardian - Business

Protecting that security is paramount to our mission.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paramount to", ensure that the relationship between the subject and the object of importance is clear and direct. Avoid using it in overly complex or convoluted sentences.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "paramount to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "essential" or "key" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paramount to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating that something is of supreme importance or essential. It often connects a noun or concept to its critical requirement or condition. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally used when referring to something absolutely essential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "paramount to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to underscore the supreme importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in formal writing. Appearing most often in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase serves to emphasize the critical nature of a condition or requirement for a specific outcome. While versatile, it is crucial to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Top authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential for

Focuses on the necessity of something, rather than its supreme importance.

crucial for

Highlights the critical nature of something for a particular outcome.

vital for

Emphasizes the life-sustaining or indispensable nature of something.

critical to

Stresses the importance of something in preventing failure or ensuring success.

of utmost importance to

More verbose and emphasizes the significance of something.

indispensable to

Highlights that something is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

a priority for

Indicates something that is given precedence over other things.

fundamental to

Highlights something that forms a necessary base or core.

key to

Indicates that something is essential for achieving a specific goal or outcome.

central to

Highlights something being the most important part of the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "paramount to" in a sentence?

Use "paramount to" to emphasize the critical importance of something. For example, "Safety is paramount to a successful mission."

What are some alternatives to "paramount to"?

You can use alternatives like "essential for", "crucial to", or "vital for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "paramount to" or "more important than"?

"Paramount to" implies something is of the highest importance, while "more important than" simply indicates a higher level of importance relative to something else. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

What does "paramount to" mean?

The phrase "paramount to" means of the highest importance; superior to all others. It's used to describe something that is absolutely essential or crucial.