they are paramount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are paramount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance or significance of something in a particular context. Example: "In this project, the safety protocols are paramount to ensure the well-being of all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They are paramount to our program," Michael J. Ambruster, orchestra director at the Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, said, referring to the music companies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were paramount.

The New York Times - Sports

They contend cheap prices are paramount.

Huffington Post

"While supplemental mass immunization campaigns are paramount, they cannot alone eradicate polio.

Unicef

S.A.: For me, the stability and reliability are paramount, though they do have things that make them sound distinctive.

The New Yorker

The CAPs are paramount as they outline the remedial measures that must be taken to ensure an acceptably safe working environment.

The Guardian

These debates are paramount, since they significantly contribute to the case of recreational services as part of ECEC policies.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Two issues are paramount.

The Economist

Two problems are paramount.

The New Yorker

Her interests are paramount.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their needs are paramount.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for situations involving values, safety, ethics or strategic goals where a superlative adjective is justified by the context.

Common error

Do not use phrases like "most paramount" or "very paramount". Since "paramount" already means supreme or above all others, it is an absolute adjective that does not require intensification.

How to use

Learn how to use "they are paramount" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are paramount" functions as a subject-verb-adjective structure where "paramount" acts as a predicative adjective. As noted in Ludwig, it is used to assign a superlative level of importance to a plural subject, often referring back to abstract concepts like "rights", "needs" or "interests".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Informal

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

To conclude, "they are paramount" is a highly effective and sophisticated phrase used to highlight supreme importance. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is a staple in high-quality journalism and scientific discourse. Unlike common synonyms like "they are important", this phrase carries a weight of finality and hierarchy, suggesting that no other factor is more significant. Writers should be careful to avoid redundant modifiers and use it specifically when a subject truly stands at the top of a priority list. It remains a powerful tool for clear, authoritative English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are essential

Suggests something is a basic requirement for functioning.

they are crucial

Focuses on the decisive or critical nature of the items.

they are vital

Imparts a sense of life-or-death necessity or organic importance.

they are of the utmost importance

A more formal and elongated way to express supreme priority.

they are critical

Often used in high-stakes environments or technical contexts.

they are fundamental

Refers to the core or foundational importance of the subject.

they are imperative

Implies that an action or condition is required and must happen.

they are key

A more common and slightly more idiomatic way to express importance.

they are indispensable

Suggests that the subject cannot be set aside or replaced.

they are central

Emphasizes the subject's position at the heart of an issue.

FAQs

How to use "they are paramount" in a sentence?

You can use it to emphasize priority, for example: "In our safety mission, "they are paramount" to the success of the operation." This signals that the mentioned items are the most important factors.

What can I say instead of "they are paramount"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "they are essential", "they are crucial" or "they are vital".

Is "they are paramount" too formal for daily conversation?

It is a formal expression. In casual settings, it is often replaced by simpler phrases like "they are the main thing" or "they are really important".

What is the difference between "they are paramount" and "they are essential"?

While "they are essential" means something is necessary for a result, "they are paramount" implies that those things are of higher importance than anything else.