should take precedence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should take precedence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that one thing should be given greater importance than another. For example, "Safety should take precedence over speed when driving in poor weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If they conflict, which should take precedence?

Harvard Business Review

Whose rights and well-being should take precedence?

The New York Times - Magazine

No domestic competitions should take precedence over international matches.

The Guardian - Sport

This should take precedence over our other national cares.

The New York Times

And whose culture and way of life should take precedence?

The New York Times

One-third said the respect for privacy should take precedence.

The Washington Post

The president declared his displeasure obliquely, saying that economic reform should take precedence over politics.

The Economist

They claim that these should take precedence over that for the president.

The Economist

In other words, discrimination and selectivity should take precedence over consistency and comprehensiveness.

The New York Times

They stipulate that the interests of the individual should take precedence over the good of science.

Independent

When it comes to the main course decorum should take precedence over appetite.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should take precedence", clearly define what it is taking precedence over to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Safety should take precedence over speed."

Common error

While "should take precedence" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "should be prioritized" or "is of utmost importance" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should take precedence" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is considered more important or of higher priority than something else. This is validated by Ludwig AI, noting its correct grammatical structure. It frequently introduces a recommended course of action or a hierarchical order.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should take precedence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to indicate that something is of higher importance or priority in a given situation. Its usage spans diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While common, it's advisable to use synonyms to avoid redundancy in writing. When employing the phrase, ensure you clearly state what it is taking precedence over to avoid ambiguity. Key alternatives include "should be prioritized" and "is of utmost importance". Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's role in both ethical considerations and strategic planning, underscoring its significance in reasoned decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be prioritized

Emphasizes the act of giving something priority.

ought to be given priority

Expresses obligation and the act of prioritizing.

takes priority

A simpler, more direct way of stating precedence.

should be considered first

Highlights the order of consideration.

deserves more attention

Indicates something warrants greater focus.

must be addressed first

Emphasizes the necessity of dealing with something promptly.

is of utmost importance

Highlights the extreme importance of something.

is paramount

A concise way of saying something is supremely important.

holds higher significance

Indicates a greater level of importance or meaning.

is more crucial

Highlights the critical nature of something compared to others.

FAQs

How can I use "should take precedence" in a sentence?

Use "should take precedence" to indicate that one thing is more important than another in a particular situation. For example, "In an emergency, saving lives "should take precedence" over protecting property."

What are some alternatives to "should take precedence"?

You can use alternatives like "should be prioritized", "is of utmost importance", or "takes priority" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "should take precedence" or "takes precedence"?

"Should take precedence" implies a recommendation or a rule, while "takes precedence" states a fact about what is actually happening. Choose the one that best fits the intended meaning. For example: "Safety "should take precedence" in construction sites" (recommendation) vs. "In that company hierarchy, seniority "takes precedence"" (statement of fact).

What's the difference between "should take precedence" and "must take precedence"?

"Should take precedence" implies a strong recommendation or guideline, while "must take precedence" indicates a strict requirement or obligation. The latter is stronger and leaves less room for interpretation.