primacy over

USAGE SUMMARY

'primacy over' is an expression used in written English and has the meaning of superiority or dominance of one thing over another.
For example, "The company has primacy over the competition when it comes to quality products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead, Thatcher the tactician took primacy over Thatcher the ideologue.

Independent

Beginning in the 19th century, industrial employment took primacy over agricultural work in many countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In many endeavors, war included, the overarching story often takes primacy over the actual events.

The New Yorker

She does not hesitate to assert a kind of marital primacy over Stephen.

The Guardian - Film

Disputes over authority became even more heated in the 11th century as Rome asserted its primacy over all churches.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And on the Shia side of the Tigris river, militias have primacy over interior ministry or military forces.

The Guardian

"My own viewpoint is that the game has been stripped of its deep-rooted emotional primacy over the years.

The Guardian - Sport

It also took primacy over his acting career as he increasingly devoted himself to organisational activities with the WRP.

The Guardian

The proposed constitution also states that European Union law will have primacy over that of member states.

The New York Times

There is a space for a fill or a roll at the end of a musical phrase, but the beat has primacy over the curlicues.

The New Yorker

"This case was a way for the mosque to assert a kind of primacy over the community," the novelist said the other day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primacy over", ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis for the asserted superiority. For instance, specify whether it is based on importance, authority, or another relevant factor.

Common error

Avoid using "primacy over" without explicitly stating the reason for the higher importance or authority. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the argument being presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primacy over" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate that one entity, concept, or consideration holds a position of greater importance, authority, or influence compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a sense of superiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primacy over" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to convey the superiority or dominance of one thing over another. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across various contexts. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and scientific sources. When employing "primacy over", clarity is essential; ensure that the basis for the asserted superiority is explicitly stated. Consider alternatives like "precedence over" or "dominance over" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precedence over

This alternative indicates that something comes before something else in order or importance.

superiority over

This alternative emphasizes a higher quality or rank.

dominance over

This alternative suggests control or power over something else.

ascendancy over

This alternative highlights a rise to a position of power or influence.

preeminence over

This alternative signifies outstanding importance or superiority.

priority over

This alternative emphasizes that something is more important and needs to be dealt with first.

supremacy over

This alternative indicates ultimate authority or power.

greater importance than

This alternative expresses the concept of having more significance.

preference for

This alternative suggests a choice or liking for one thing over another.

paramount importance compared to

This alternative indicates supreme importance in comparison to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "primacy over" in a sentence?

Use "primacy over" to indicate that one thing is more important, powerful, or influential than another. For example, "In this company, customer satisfaction has "primacy over" short-term profits."

What are some alternatives to "primacy over"?

You can use alternatives like "precedence over", "superiority over", or "dominance over" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "primacy of" instead of "primacy over"?

"Primacy of" and "primacy over" have different meanings. "Primacy of" refers to the state of being first in order or importance, while ""primacy over"" indicates superiority or dominance in relation to something else. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "primacy over" and "priority over"?

"Primacy over" generally indicates a more fundamental or inherent superiority, while "priority over" simply means something is more important in a specific situation or at a specific time. "Primacy over" suggests a lasting or inherent superiority.