take priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take priority" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is more important or should be addressed before other matters. Example: "In this project, safety will take priority over speed to ensure the well-being of all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other things take priority.

The New York Times

Ultimately, humanitarian concerns must take priority.

The New York Times

Deficit reduction will now take priority.

The Economist

First, roads should take priority over rail.

The Economist

But tackling Isis had to take priority.

Independent

"But clearly emergencies must take priority".

The Guardian

Instead, improvement strategies must take priority.

The Guardian

Aesthetic concerns, he said, would take priority in that decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Ultimately, though, some objects here do take priority.

The New York Times - Arts

Which cars take priority, the ones with owners or the ones on showroom lots? A. Owners take priority.

The New York Times

Paid work could take priority over other very important crime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "take priority". In formal settings, "be given precedence" might be more appropriate, while in informal settings, "come first" could be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "take priority" when the context already implies prioritization. For example, instead of saying "Emergency situations will "take priority", above all else", simply state "Emergency situations will "take priority"" as the "above all else" is often redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take priority" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically indicating that something should be considered or addressed before other matters. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take priority" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is more important than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While it is generally neutral in register, formal alternatives like "be given precedence" may be preferred in certain settings. Remember to clearly state what is taking priority over what to avoid ambiguity, and avoid using the phrase in redundant contexts. Ultimately, understanding these nuances can help ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come first

Simple and direct way to express prioritization.

be prioritized

Passive voice emphasizes the action being done to something, rather than who is doing it.

be of utmost importance

Highlights the extreme significance of something.

be given precedence

Uses a more formal and somewhat stronger term, 'precedence', to highlight importance.

be paramount

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something.

be at the forefront

Metaphorical phrase focusing on the leading position of importance.

be the main concern

Focuses on what is most worrisome or crucial.

outweigh other considerations

Highlights that something is more important than other aspects.

be the order of the day

Emphasizes that something is the most relevant thing now.

get top billing

Idiomatic expression suggesting something receives the most prominent placement.

FAQs

How can I use "take priority" in a sentence?

You can use "take priority" to indicate that something is more important than something else. For example, "In this project, deadlines will "take priority" over minor details."

What are some alternatives to "take priority"?

Some alternatives to "take priority" include "be prioritized", "come first", or "be given precedence" depending on the formality and context.

Is it correct to say "takes priority" instead of "take priority"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject. Use "takes priority" with singular subjects (e.g., "This task takes priority"), and "take priority" with plural subjects (e.g., "These tasks "take priority"").

What's the difference between "take priority" and "have priority"?

"Take priority" suggests an action of assuming a higher level of importance, while "have priority" indicates a state of already possessing a higher level of importance. Example: "This matter should "take priority" now" versus "This matter has priority."