priority

USAGE SUMMARY

"priority" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word "priority" to refer to something that is given special attention because it is more important than other matters. For example: "The priority for our department is to ensure that all of our customers are satisfied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In more congested areas or particularly busy times of the day, then vehicles on key roads might be given priority in order to keep the traffic flowing".

The Guardian - Tech

"Perhaps not everyone's priority is having a 'beach body' (by the way, what is that?), and making somebody feel guilty for not prioritising it by questioning their personal choices is a step too far.

The Guardian

Once again it shows how voluntary action can show the way, proving that a low-carbon future is an essential, achievable and urgent priority.

The Guardian

Terrorism (including Irish terrorism) emerged as the No 1 priority, followed, less predictably, by cyberwarfare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our FaceTime, our WhatsApp – that was their priority now.

The Guardian

"Reforming severance pay arrangements and addressing these problems of the past have been a priority for me from day one as director general," Hall said.

The Guardian

That is my priority and I have said that from the start and I'm not going to change that".

The Guardian

In addition, our first priority is to invest in the squad and football staff infrastructure to support the manager Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, which we believe is the best strategy to maintain our Premier League status.

The Guardian - Sport

Labour issues are a high priority for this government".

The Guardian

Clarke said: "The first priority of any British government is to provide for the security of the citizens of the country, and at the moment in the criminal field all the major activity is international, whether you're talking about international people trafficking, drug dealing, whether you're talking about illegal migration or whether you're talking about counter-terrorism.

The Guardian

Family planning officials will make home visits and offer counselling and financial advice in a dramatic shift away from the 30-year priority of simply keeping the population down.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting "priorities", ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to enhance clarity and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "priority" as a verb. The correct verb form is "prioritize". For example, say 'We need to prioritize this task' instead of 'We need to priority this task'.

Linguistic Context

The noun "priority" functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It indicates the relative importance or precedence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "priority" denotes something of utmost importance or precedence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and commonly used. As a noun, it indicates the relative significance of an item, aim, or task. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, the term guides decisions by highlighting the most vital aspects. To enhance clarity, ensure "priorities" are SMART and remember to use "prioritize" as the verb form. Alternatives such as "top concern" or "key objective" can be used to diversify your language, but ensure the context is appropriate. This ensures effective communication and decision-making, establishing what genuinely matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major priority

Implies a higher level of importance than a regular priority.

top concern

Focuses on the level of worry or attention given to something.

main focus

Emphasizes the central point of attention or effort.

key objective

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of the task.

prime importance

Stresses the high level of significance.

critical task

Highlights the essential nature of the work.

first order of business

Indicates the initial action to be taken.

urgent matter

Conveys a sense of immediacy and pressing need.

chief aim

Highlights the primary goal or intention.

pressing need

Highlights the urgency and necessity of addressing something.

FAQs

How to use "priority" in a sentence?

You can use "priority" to indicate something that is more important than other things. For example: "Ensuring customer satisfaction is our top priority.".

What can I say instead of "priority"?

You can use alternatives like "top concern", "key objective", or "main focus" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "priority" or "prioritize"?

"Priority" is a noun referring to something important, while "prioritize" is a verb meaning to designate something as important. Use "priority" when referring to the item itself and "prioritize" when referring to the act of making something a priority.

What's the difference between "priority" and "preference"?

"Priority" implies a ranking of importance, whereas "preference" indicates a choice or liking. A "priority" is what must be done first, while a "preference" is what is desired or favored.