prime

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "prime" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something of the highest quality or importance. An example is: "This is a prime opportunity for investment." Alternative expressions include "top," "optimal," and "excellent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Mathematics

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Referring to the accusations that she had "played the gender card" by calling out sexism, she said her position as the first female incumbent "does not explain everything about my prime ministership and does not explain nothing about my prime ministership".

The Guardian

Chief executives of companies such as Burberry, Tesco, Vodafone, BAE Systems, Prudential and GSK were keen to take a final opportunity to lobby the prime minister in advance of the meeting of political leaders in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian - Tech

"If you want to stop Ed Miliband and the SNP from getting into power and wrecking our economy... and if you want me back on work on Friday working through our long-term economic plan as your prime minister then it is vital that you vote Conservative," Cameron said.

The Guardian

Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister for a second time, three years after being deposed, and now faces the daunting task of reworking policy and replacing more than one-third of the cabinet just months before an election.

The Guardian

An earlier version said Samantha Cameron had accompanied the prime minister to Balmoral in September.

The Guardian

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, said the government was "carefully studying" the judgment to determine an appropriate response, but he strongly signalled his determination to find a way to ensure the chaplaincy program continued.

The Guardian

Carr, who served as NSW premier for 10 years, entered the Senate and became foreign minister at the request of former prime minister Julia Gillard in March 2012, when Kevin Rudd returned to the backbench after losing a leadership challenge.

The Guardian

But the prime minister failed to win the support of more than half of his 303 MPs after 136 Tories rejected the measure and around 40 Tory MPs either did not vote or actively abstained.

The Guardian

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

You could imagine the chilly atmosphere at the breakfast table, the prime minister is said to have remarked to friends afterwards.

The Guardian

Alexander made clear the Liberal Democrats' deep unease at the prime minister's plan when he warned of the dangers posed by those who "put anti-European ideology ahead of our national interest".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prime" in a technical context (e.g., mathematics), ensure the surrounding text provides sufficient context for the reader to understand the intended meaning. Be very specific.

Common error

Avoid using "prime" loosely in formal writing without ensuring the context clarifies whether you mean 'of highest quality' or are referring to a technical definition like in mathematics. Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The word "prime" functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it modifies nouns to indicate the highest quality or importance. As a noun, it refers to the most active stage or a prime number. Ludwig confirms this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "prime" demonstrates versatility, functioning both as an adjective and a noun to denote highest quality, importance, or a specific stage. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in news and media. While adaptable, context is essential for clarity, particularly when differentiating between general and technical applications. By grasping its function, register, and common errors, writers can utilize "prime" to improve the clarity and impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top

Signifies the highest rank or position.

main

Emphasizes centrality or importance.

principal

Stresses the foundational or primary aspect.

key

Highlights the essential or crucial element.

chief

Focuses on the position of leadership or authority.

essential

Focuses on the indispensable nature of something.

best

Indicates the highest quality or most suitable option.

leading

Highlights the act of guiding or directing.

finest

Highlights exceptional quality or refinement.

foremost

Emphasizes being at the front or in the most important position.

FAQs

How can "prime" be used in a sentence?

You can use "prime" to describe something of the highest quality or importance, as in, "This is a prime location for a bookstore." It can also refer to a prime number, such as, "Thirteen is a prime number."

What are some synonyms for "prime"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "prime" include "chief", "leading", "main", "principal", or "best".

Which is correct, "prime suspect" or "primary suspect"?

Both "prime suspect" and "primary suspect" can be used, but "prime suspect" is more common. It implies the leading or most likely suspect, whereas "primary suspect" could simply mean one of the main suspects.

What's the difference between "prime time" and "peak time"?

"Prime time" typically refers to the most popular viewing hours on television or radio, whereas "peak time" is a more general term that can apply to any period of highest demand or activity, such as peak travel times.