top priority

USAGE SUMMARY

"top priority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is the most important thing to focus on. For example, "Safety is my top priority when working with hazardous chemicals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Corporate boards are top priority".

The New York Times

"Marriage is a top priority".

The New York Times

Homicides are a top priority.

The New Yorker

That's my top priority.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Her top priority?

The Guardian

"That's the top priority".

The New York Times

Safety is a top priority, she said.

The New York Times

Mobile phones will be his top priority.

The Economist

My top priority is still my family.

The New York Times

He has declared Doha his top priority.

The Economist

The top priority for both is Syria.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining project goals, clearly state what is your "top priority" to maintain focus and avoid scope creep.

Common error

Avoid using "top priority" repeatedly within a single document; find synonyms like "main focus" or "chief concern" to diversify your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top priority" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, identifying something as being of the highest importance. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis shows that "top priority" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote something of utmost importance. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides ample examples demonstrating its versatility. When using "top priority", consider synonyms to avoid overuse and ensure clear, impactful communication. Be sure to clarify what your "top priority" is to keep everyone focused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost importance

Emphasizes the extreme significance of something, differing in word choice.

highest importance

Focuses on the elevated level of significance, changing the adjective.

number one priority

Rephrases the priority as being ranked first, adding a numerical aspect.

paramount importance

Highlights the supreme significance, utilizing a more formal adjective.

chief concern

Highlights the primary worry or focus, shifting from priority to concern.

main focus

Emphasizes the central point of attention, changing both nouns and adjectives.

prime concern

Indicates a leading worry or focus, differing in adjective choice.

major emphasis

Shifts from priority to the degree of stress placed on something, changing the noun.

primary objective

Focuses on the main goal or aim, changing both nouns.

most pressing issue

Highlights the urgency and importance of the matter, changing the wording completely.

FAQs

How can I use "top priority" in a sentence?

You can use "top priority" to emphasize the importance of something. For example, "Customer satisfaction is our "top priority"."

What are some alternatives to saying "top priority"?

Alternatives include "utmost importance", "chief concern", or "prime concern" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "high priority" and "top priority"?

"Top priority" indicates the absolute most important thing, while "high priority" suggests something is very important but not necessarily the most important. Consider the subtle nuance in your writing!

Is it redundant to say "number one top priority"?

Yes, saying "number one top priority" is typically redundant. "Top priority" already implies it is the most important, so adding "number one" is unnecessary and weakens the phrase.