takes primacy over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes primacy over" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is more important or takes precedence over something else. For example, "In this situation, safety takes primacy over convenience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

• 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

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

54 human-written examples

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

It also took primacy over his acting career as he increasingly devoted himself to organisational activities with the WRP.

The Guardian

"We are concerned this consideration took primacy over the country's abilities to respond to the threats, risks and uncertainties contained in the National Security Strategy.

Independent

Often better organised and more disciplined, the militias have frequently taken primacy over the national military, which has taken time to regroup after its collapse in Mosul.

The Guardian

Douglas Carswell MP, for example, believes that there is a conflict between restorative justice and plain justice: "Some people tend to think that rehabilitation should take primacy over punishment.

The Guardian

Both militias are Iranian-backed and have played prominent roles in the war against Isis, often taking primacy over state security forces.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes primacy over" to clearly indicate a hierarchy or order of importance between two elements. This phrase is effective in establishing which aspect is more crucial in a decision-making process or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "takes primacy over" in overly informal settings. While grammatically correct, its formal tone may sound out of place in casual conversation or writing. Choose a more relaxed phrasing like "is more important than" or "comes first" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes primacy over" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is considered more important or authoritative than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes primacy over" is a grammatically correct and formally appropriate way to express that something is more important or authoritative than something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is best suited for formal contexts, such as academic papers, news reports, and professional communications. While less common in casual conversation, it effectively establishes a clear hierarchy between two elements. The phrase is often found in sources like The Guardian, BBC, The New Yorker, The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes precedence over

Focuses on the order of importance or sequence, suggesting something comes before another.

takes priority over

Emphasizes urgency and the need to address one thing before another.

outweighs

Highlights the greater significance or impact of something compared to another.

takes prominence over

Highlights that something is more noticeable or important than something else.

supersedes

Indicates that something replaces or overrides another, often in a formal or legal context.

takes the lead over

Implies dominance or being in a controlling position compared to something else.

dominates

Suggests a powerful influence or control over something else.

has ascendancy over

Emphasizes a rise in power or influence over something else.

trumps

Implies that something is a decisive factor that overcomes everything else.

prevails over

Highlights the ultimate success or triumph of something over another.

FAQs

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

Use "takes primacy over" to indicate that one thing is considered more important or has higher priority than another. For example, "In emergency situations, saving lives "takes primacy over" preserving property".

What phrases are similar to "takes primacy over"?

Similar phrases include "takes precedence over", "takes priority over", or "outweighs", which all convey a higher level of importance or authority.

Is "takes primacy over" appropriate for all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "takes primacy over" is more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "takes primacy over" and "is more important than"?

"Takes primacy over" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "is more important than". The former is often used in official or academic contexts, while the latter is more common in everyday language.