priorities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "priorities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance or ranking of tasks, goals, or responsibilities. Example: "In order to achieve our goals this quarter, we need to clearly define our priorities and focus on them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A body's function is far more intricate and important than looking 'beach ready', so in fact it is Protein World who have confused their priorities, if anyone".

The Guardian

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

So there will always be dispute about "compassionate" priorities.

The Guardian

"This kind of honest dialogue is essential for identifying shared priorities and deploying scarce resources most efficiently.

The Guardian

"Investigations are ongoing to determine where this murder took place, and our priorities are to locate Mr Jokubauskas and identify the body.

The Guardian

The bottom tail matters: Labour – by focusing on the top – does not have its priorities right.

The Guardian

TJN has set out a list of priorities for reform, which include requiring multinationals to say how much tax they pay in each country they operate in, treating them as one entity for tax purposes (so-called unitary taxation), increased transparency, progressive and equitable taxation, a level playing field in competitive markets, and increased corporate responsibility.

The Guardian - Business

Friends of the Earth climate campaigner Guy Shrubsole said: "David Cameron gets climate change, but it's clear that the appointment of a climate sceptic as Environment Secretary has drastically affected Defra's priorities.

The Guardian

Mr Berlusconi shrugged off the protest as he began his speech laying out the priorities of Italy's six-month presidency of the EU, promising to work to improve ties with the US following the Iraq war, and to involve Europe in the search for Middle East peace.

The Guardian

Many clinical commissioning groups are already working with their local social enterprise and charity sector on social value priorities in healthcare.

The Guardian

In 1494 the political machinations of Ludovico Sforza played a part in causing a French invasion of Italy that turned priorities upside down.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining your "priorities", make sure each one is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) to ensure effective execution.

Common error

Avoid listing vague aspirations as "priorities". A priority is something you actively work towards, not just hope to achieve. Ensure your "priorities" are actionable and integrated into your daily tasks.

Linguistic Context

The noun "priorities" functions as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It denotes a list of important tasks, goals, or concerns that are ranked in order of importance. Ludwig AI confirms that this term is frequently used in varied sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "priorities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun denoting a set of important tasks or goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news and business settings. When using "priorities", ensure clarity and specificity to differentiate them from mere aspirations. Employing related phrases like "key objectives" can add nuance to your writing. Remember, clearly defined "priorities" are essential for effective decision-making and resource allocation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key objectives

Focuses on the specific goals that are considered most important.

primary focus

Emphasizes the main area of attention or concentration.

top goals

Emphasizes the highest-ranking aims or targets.

paramount objectives

Highlights the objectives that are of the highest importance or rank.

main concerns

Highlights the issues or worries that are of utmost importance.

core responsibilities

Highlights the central duties or obligations.

chief aims

Indicates the primary purposes or intentions.

critical needs

Focuses on the most important requirements or necessities.

principal duties

Indicates the main tasks or assignments to be performed.

essential tasks

Stresses the indispensable duties or assignments.

FAQs

How do I use "priorities" in a sentence?

"Priorities" is a plural noun, so use it when referring to multiple important tasks or goals. For example, "Our "top priorities" for this quarter are increasing sales and improving customer satisfaction."

What can I say instead of "priorities"?

You can use alternatives like "key objectives", "main concerns", or "top goals" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "my priority is" or "my priorities are"?

Use "my priority is" when referring to a single, most important thing. Use "my priorities are" when referring to multiple important things.

What's the difference between "priorities" and "preferences"?

"Priorities" are the things you consider most important and need to address first, while "preferences" are the things you like or favor but aren't necessarily essential. For example, improving customer service is a "priority", while offering free coffee is a customer "preference".