that takes precedence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that takes precedence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing priorities or the importance of one thing over another in a given context. Example: "In this situation, the safety of our employees is the factor that takes precedence over all other considerations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

If the boss has another, higher-level engagement that takes precedence, then your appointment may be canceled".

The New York Times

Mr. Starr could object to the rescheduling, arguing that he is involved in a criminal investigation that takes precedence.

The New York Times

"Israel understands that this is an extraordinary moment in American history that takes precedence over everything else," he said.

The New York Times

The results of the CVT tests suggest that there probably is an influence of the transmission architecture that takes precedence over the general type of the transmission.

Biosystems Engineering

Implicit in the concept of a constitution is the idea of a "higher law" that takes precedence over all other laws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And perhaps it's true that "rights trump utility". That is, that when somebody has a right to bodily integrity, that takes precedence over the needs of the many.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

At the time, her family was coping with a series of medical crises that took precedence.

The Washington Post

But behind it lay a more beguiling, pliant lyricism that took precedence in Italy.

The New York Times - Arts

However, under certain circumstances such shareholders do have subletting privileges that take precedence over a board's ban on renting to an outsider.

The New York Times

Let's not even talk about IRS liens that take precedence over the entire world.

Huffington Post

It's not just industries that produce fossil fuels that take precedence over states' rights ― it's those that burn them, too.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that takes precedence", ensure the context clearly establishes what alternatives are being superseded. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "that takes precedence" in very casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "that's more important" or "that comes first" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that takes precedence" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the relative importance or priority of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. It is used to show that something has a higher claim or is more significant than something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that takes precedence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote something of higher priority or importance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts but is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing. It is important to consider the formality of the context and choose simpler alternatives like "that's more important" or "that comes first" when appropriate. The phrase is used to clarify priorities and ensure the most critical aspects are addressed first. While "that takes precedence" implies hierarchical ranking, alternatives like "that is a priority" simply denote importance without the same degree of explicit prioritization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is the priority

Replaces the verb phrase with a more direct declaration of priority.

that is paramount

Uses a stronger adjective to emphasize the supreme importance.

that is the main concern

Shifts the focus to the primary issue needing attention.

that is of utmost importance

Emphasizes the high level of importance associated with the subject.

that outweighs everything else

Highlights the superior significance compared to other factors.

that holds more weight

Implies a greater influence or consequence.

that is the deciding factor

Indicates that the element will determine the outcome.

that is the governing principle

Suggests that the element serves as a fundamental rule.

that is the key consideration

Focuses on the most significant aspect to consider.

that is the critical aspect

Highlights the essential nature of the element.

FAQs

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

Use "that takes precedence" to indicate that something is more important than other considerations in a given situation. For example, "In an emergency, patient safety is what "that takes precedence"."

What are some alternatives to saying "that takes precedence"?

You can use alternatives such as "that is the priority", "that is paramount", or "that is more important", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "that takes precedence"?

While grammatically correct, using "that takes precedence" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Choose simpler alternatives like "that comes first" or "that is more important" for informal settings.

What's the difference between "that takes precedence" and "that is a priority"?

"That takes precedence" implies a hierarchical ranking where one thing surpasses others. "That is a priority" simply means something is important, without necessarily implying it is more important than everything else. Context determines the best choice.