the paramount thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the paramount thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important aspect or element of a situation or discussion. Example: "In this project, the paramount thing is to ensure the safety of all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Being drafted was the paramount thing people were worried about," remembers Edward Weidlein '68.

Princeton University

But the paramount thing that condemned him was that swaggering Delbert was just not behaving, quote, "the way a nigger ought to behave".

The Economist

The paramount thing is that the struggle for equality in Palestine/Israel should be directed toward a humane goal, that is, coexistence, and not further suppression and denial.

The Guardian - Books

Unencumbered by the idea that Shakespeare's language is the paramount thing about Shakespeare, Van Hove is liberated to tell these stories afresh and send them into the future like a cultural baton being passed down and getting knocked about a bit on the way, like a much-loved piece of furniture.

The Guardian

Everyone had their own favorites though, and that's the paramount thing about this the line up for Lanewa.

HuffPost

"I've had some experiences with psychedelics," says Troxler. "I've had crazy purgatory trips where I've found that, to me, being a good person is the paramount thing.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I'm in an industry where likability is the most paramount thing you can have in a lead," Kaling said at the Women in the World Summit on Thursday.

HuffPost

"I'm in an industry where likability is the most paramount thing you can have in a lead.

HuffPost

To do that, no matter where we come from in the world, no matter what our religion or our hue, we must be guided by the paramount and enlightening thing that Colin Cowdrey knew and cherished so well.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think you can go through the history of the U.S. economy and find that tax rates really aren't the paramount reason why people do things or why the economy expands or contracts," Mr. Blitz said.

The New York Times

At the Paramount and the Brooklyn Paramount.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the paramount thing" to clearly emphasize the single most important aspect within a complex situation. For example, "When negotiating a contract, "the paramount thing" is to understand the terms completely".

Common error

Avoid using "the paramount thing" when a simpler term like "the most important thing" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound pretentious. Instead of saying "For me, "the paramount thing" is happiness", consider saying "For me, the most important thing is happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the paramount thing" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies the most important aspect or element under consideration. Ludwig AI identifies the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the paramount thing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the most important aspect of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally neutral, it leans towards formal and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For simpler communication, consider alternatives like "the most important thing". Its effective use lies in clearly emphasizing a single, overriding priority. Keep in mind that in certain contexts, using simpler terms is preferable to avoid sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important thing

Replaces "paramount" with a more common synonym, simplifying the language.

the key thing

Substitutes "paramount" with "key", indicating the central or essential element.

the crucial thing

Emphasizes the critical nature of the thing, highlighting its importance for success or avoidance of failure.

the vital thing

Stresses the necessity of the thing, indicating it is essential for life or well-being.

the essential thing

Highlights the fundamental and indispensable nature of the thing.

the main thing

Focuses on the primary aspect, simplifying the expression.

the overriding thing

Indicates that the thing is more important than anything else, taking precedence over all other considerations.

the predominant thing

Suggests that the thing is the most noticeable or prevalent.

the foremost thing

Highlights that the thing comes first in importance or order.

the principal thing

Indicates the thing is of highest rank or significance.

FAQs

What is an alternative to saying "the paramount thing"?

Alternatives include "the most important thing", "the key thing", or "the crucial thing" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

How do you use "the paramount thing" in a sentence?

You can use it to highlight the most important aspect. For instance, "In any rescue operation, "the paramount thing" is the safety of the victims".

Is "the paramount thing" formal or informal?

The phrase "the paramount thing" leans toward formal usage. Simpler alternatives like "the main thing" are more appropriate in informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "the paramount thing"?

It is appropriate when you want to strongly emphasize the supreme importance of something, especially in professional, academic, or formal contexts. Avoid in informal conversation where "the most important thing" is better suited.