the immediate priority is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the immediate priority is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing urgent tasks or objectives that need to be addressed right away. Example: "In light of the recent developments, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

So the immediate priority is to restore order.

The Economist

Miller said: "The immediate priority is that the BBC gets its house in order.

The Guardian

For the UN, however, the immediate priority is to meet humanitarian needs.

The Guardian

"The immediate priority is to deliver a better shopping trip to stabilise trading performance.

The Guardian - Business

Others say that the immediate priority is to feed and shelter people.

The New York Times

The immediate priority is to rebut the inevitable onslaught from their opponents.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The immediate priority was survival and consolidation at the lower level.

The Guardian - Sport

Cameron said the immediate priority was to establish security in Tripoli.

The Guardian

The immediate priority was search and rescue, and removing debris to find survivors still trapped, he said.

The Guardian

No 10 responded by saying the immediate priority was security, and it was not a time to get into a "blame game" with Paris.

Independent

Mr. Walder said that the immediate priority was rebuilding the system, and riders' trust, and that every bike and dock in service would get a complete overhaul this winter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the immediate priority is", ensure that the subsequent action or goal is clearly defined and directly addresses the current situation. This phrase sets an expectation for prompt and decisive action.

Common error

Avoid using "the immediate priority is" followed by a vague or undefined goal. For example, instead of saying "The immediate priority is to improve things," specify what needs improvement, such as "The immediate priority is to improve customer service response times."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the immediate priority is" functions as a declarative statement that highlights the most important task or objective requiring immediate attention. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the immediate priority is" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the most pressing task or goal. With Ludwig's confirmation and numerous examples, it's clear that this phrase is widely accepted and effective in directing focus and action. While suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to business strategies, ensuring clarity and specificity when using this phrase enhances its impact. Ludwig suggests being mindful of potential vagueness and consider using alternative phrases to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The most pressing concern is

Replaces "priority" with "concern" and emphasizes the urgency using "most pressing".

The first order of business is

Uses a business-oriented term to highlight the initial task to be addressed.

The main focus should be on

Shifts the emphasis to directing focus, rather than stating a priority.

The key objective is

Replaces "priority" with "objective", focusing on the desired outcome.

What needs to be done first is

Reformulates the sentence as a question of what action should precede others.

The initial step involves

Highlights the first action required, shifting from a statement of priority to a procedural approach.

Above all, we must

Emphasizes the utmost importance of a specific action.

Our chief aim is

Substitutes "priority" with "aim", focusing on the primary goal.

Foremost, it's essential to

Emphasizes the essential nature of the subsequent action, placing it at the forefront.

The crucial thing is

Highlights the criticality of a particular aspect or action.

FAQs

How can I use "the immediate priority is" in a sentence?

You can use "the immediate priority is" to emphasize the most important task or goal that needs to be addressed right away. For example, "The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of all employees."

What are some alternatives to "the immediate priority is"?

You can use alternatives like "the most pressing concern is", "the first order of business is", or "the main focus should be on" depending on the context.

Is "the immediate priority is" formal or informal?

"The immediate priority is" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as demonstrated by its use in news articles, business reports, and scientific papers.

What's the difference between "the immediate priority is" and "a priority is"?

"The immediate priority is" emphasizes that something is the most urgent and important task to address now. On the other hand, "a priority is" simply indicates that something is important, but not necessarily the most urgent. For example, the "key objective" is to reduce long term debt.