takes primacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes primacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is of primary importance or priority over other considerations. Example: "In this discussion, the issue of climate change takes primacy over economic concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In many endeavors, war included, the overarching story often takes primacy over the actual events.

The New Yorker

In Paris and London, by contrast, the view is that the council president, as the envoy of national leaders, takes primacy.

The Economist

• To the Sports Editor: Why is it that athletics takes primacy over all other pursuits as the key that opens the money door for aspiring students?

The New York Times

They are the same people who attack the whistleblowers and this is a position the [British] Financial Services Authority at least has adopted on legal advice: it has been advised that the confidentiality of banking and bankers takes primacy over the public information disclosure act.

The Guardian

However, we find diminishing returns to democratization's benefits in advanced, highly expressive and already democratic societies, when economics once again takes primacy.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

In Robshaw he has a captain who embodies both those aims, a man whose example on the pitch takes primacy over any Churchillian oratory.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Basketball took primacy, and Ervin Braun founded a local A.A.U.

The New Yorker

Instead, Thatcher the tactician took primacy over Thatcher the ideologue.

Independent

Beginning in the 19th century, industrial employment took primacy over agricultural work in many countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Metropolitan police took primacy in the investigation into the disaster.

The Guardian

"If they take primacy, this indicates a huge malfunction in the structure of the security institutions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes primacy" when you want to emphasize that one element or consideration is more important than others in a specific context. For clarity, specify what it takes primacy over.

Common error

Avoid using "takes primacy" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is more important" or "comes first".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes primacy" functions as a verb phrase that indicates something is considered of higher importance, priority, or dominance than something else. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in contexts where a specific element outweighs others in significance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes primacy" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to highlight the superior importance or priority of something. Ludwig AI confirms its function as a verb phrase to emphasize relative importance and guides understanding. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, lending a neutral tone to discussions of strategy, policy, and values. When writing, it's best to explicitly state what "takes primacy" over, and avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler language would suffice. Alternatives include "is paramount" and "has precedence", but careful selection based on context is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is paramount

Highlights the supreme importance of something, intensifying the sense of priority.

is of utmost importance

Emphasizes the significance of something, adding a formal tone.

is preeminent

Suggests a superior rank or dignity, implying a higher level of importance.

prevails

Indicates that something is dominant and ultimately successful.

has precedence

Highlights the order of importance, suggesting a formal or procedural context.

dominates

Conveys a sense of control and influence, indicating a strong position.

is the priority

Directly states that something is the most important thing to consider.

takes precedence

Similar to "has precedence" but uses a verb phrase.

is dominant

Suggests a position of strength and influence.

is the key

Highlights something as being essential or crucial.

FAQs

How can I use "takes primacy" in a sentence?

Use "takes primacy" to indicate that something is more important than something else. For example, "In this negotiation, reaching a fair agreement "takes primacy" over short-term profits."

What are some alternatives to "takes primacy"?

You can use alternatives such as "is paramount", "is of utmost importance", or "has precedence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct: "takes primacy" or "has primacy"?

"Takes primacy" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Has primacy" is grammatically correct, but less frequently used. Both are acceptable but have slightly different connotations.

What is the difference between "takes primacy" and "takes precedence"?

"Takes primacy" implies a general sense of importance or priority, while "takes precedence" suggests a formal ordering or ranking. Use "takes precedence" when referring to rules, procedures, or hierarchies.