this above all else

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this above all else" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize the importance of a particular point or value over everything else. Example: "In our decision-making, this above all else should guide us: integrity." Alternative expressions include "this is paramount," "this is the priority," and "this is most important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The reason for this – above all else – is the casting.

The Guardian - Film

Many Democrats see this, above all else, as the most important issue of the presidential election.

The Guardian

"If I were even considering voting Tory next time, this above all else would stop me.

The Guardian

Perhaps this, above all else, is why we keep heading into dark tomorrows.

The Guardian - Tech

This, above all else, is the source of cynicism toward government.

The New York Times

At one point in the book, you write, "Remember this above all else: When everyone else is doing it, don't".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Try to act with the best intentions and seek to comfort this person above all else.

WikiHow

He values his art above all else.

The New York Times

I guess part of me wants to give EA and DICE props for this, but above all else, it reinforces just what a total mess this launch has been.

Forbes

For this is, above all else, an elegy and an apologia, a defense of a milieu.

The New York Times - Books

So if Cowell is serious about resuscitating wrestling on British television, he should remember this division above all else.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this above all else" to clearly signal the single most crucial consideration in a decision, argument, or course of action. It helps focus attention on the element that should take precedence over all others.

Common error

Avoid using "this above all else" for trivial matters. Reserve it for situations where the emphasized point truly outweighs all other considerations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this above all else" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the paramount importance of a particular element. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a direct way to highlight what should be prioritized. Examples show its use in various contexts to focus attention on the key consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this above all else" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight the paramount importance of a specific point or consideration. As validated by Ludwig AI, it functions as an intensifier, urging focus on what matters most. While its register is generally neutral, its formality adapts to the context, with prevalent use in news, wiki and scientific articles. To maintain its impact, reserve this expression for truly significant matters and check our alternatives if you want to add more variety to your writing, such as "most importantly" and "above everything else".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above everything else

Replaces "this" with "everything", broadening the scope of what's being prioritized.

more than anything else

Uses a different comparative structure to highlight priority.

most importantly

Focuses on the supreme importance, omitting the demonstrative pronoun.

first and foremost

Indicates initial priority, potentially suggesting other considerations follow.

primarily

Emphasizes the main point, without the comparative aspect.

chiefly

Stresses the main reason or element, without directly comparing to others.

primarily and essentially

Focuses on the most important and fundamental aspects, combining two emphasizing words.

especially

Highlights a particular item as noteworthy, lacking the sense of overall precedence.

in particular

Similar to 'especially', focusing on a specific detail.

fundamentally

Indicates a basic and essential aspect, not necessarily the most important.

FAQs

How can I use "this above all else" in a sentence?

You can use "this above all else" to highlight the most important aspect of something. For example: "Remember "this above all else": kindness matters."

What does "this above all else" mean?

The phrase "this above all else" means that something is more important than anything else. It signifies the highest priority or the most crucial aspect of a situation.

Which is correct, "this above all else" or "all else above this"?

"This above all else" is the standard and more common phrasing. "All else above this" is less conventional and might sound awkward to native English speakers.

What are some alternatives to "this above all else"?

Alternatives include "most importantly", "above everything else", or "more than anything else". Each carries a slightly different nuance but serves to emphasize priority.