takes precedence over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes precedence over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that one thing is more important than another and has priority in a given situation. For example: "The medical needs of the injured person takes precedence over the cleanup efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Winning takes precedence over all.

University of California, Berkeley

"My family takes precedence over my career".

The New York Times - Sports

Desire often takes precedence over prejudice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here, content takes precedence over style.

The Guardian

ruling takes precedence over all other international agreements.

The New Yorker

"Convenience often takes precedence over design," he wrote.

The New York Times - Arts

At that point, he argues, quantity takes precedence over quality.

The Economist

Moreover, political duty takes precedence over other duties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

L. Earnest, Skirmishes Tradition usually takes precedence over common sense.

Stanford University

Residlim takes precedence over residfac if both are nonzero.

Harvard University

It's unfortunate that this incident takes precedence over the ballgame.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes precedence over", ensure that the context clearly establishes both elements being compared and why one is prioritized. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience understands the implicit hierarchy when using "takes precedence over". Explicitly state the rationale behind the prioritization to prevent misinterpretations and ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes precedence over" functions as a comparative verb phrase. It indicates a hierarchical relationship where one element is deemed more important or authoritative than another. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes precedence over" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate priority or greater importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples from diverse sources, spanning News & Media, Academia and Science. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context establishes both elements being compared and the rationale behind the prioritization, avoiding ambiguity. While alternatives exist like "has priority over" or "supersedes", "takes precedence over" remains a versatile and widely understood choice for formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes priority over

This phrase is nearly synonymous, simply varying the verb tense.

has priority over

Directly states that one thing has a higher order of importance or comes first.

is more important than

A simpler and more direct way to express the comparative importance.

ranks higher than

Indicates a hierarchical order where one element is above another.

outweighs

Focuses on the relative weight or importance of one thing compared to another.

is superior to

Suggests a greater level of quality or value compared to something else.

overrides

Implies a direct action of negating or canceling out another consideration.

supersedes

This alternative suggests a more formal and absolute replacement or overriding of something.

comes before

Emphasizes the order or sequence in which things are considered or handled.

is paramount to

Indicates something is of utmost importance, potentially even essential.

FAQs

How can I use "takes precedence over" in a sentence?

Use "takes precedence over" to indicate that one thing is more important than another. For example: "In emergencies, safety "takes precedence over" speed".

What are some alternatives to "takes precedence over"?

Alternatives include "has priority over", "is more important than", or "supersedes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "took precedence over"?

Yes, "took precedence over" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. For example: "The need for immediate action "took precedence over" careful planning".

What's the difference between "takes precedence over" and "takes priority over"?

The phrases "takes precedence over" and "takes priority over" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. Both indicate that one thing is considered more important or comes before another.