First Priority: Is It Correct to Say? (Meaning, Grammar & Examples).

Have you ever wondered whether first priority is grammatically correct?

Some people argue that it’s redundant because the word priority already implies something comes first. Others use the phrase regularly in business meetings, emails and everyday conversations without giving it a second thought.

The truth is that first priority is widely used and accepted in modern English. Although some style guides recommend avoiding it for the sake of conciseness, many native speakers use it to emphasize the most important task or objective. Understanding when it’s appropriate and when a simpler alternative may be better will help you communicate more clearly.

Quick Answer

Yes, first priority is grammatically correct and commonly used.

However, because priority already means something more important than other things, some editors consider first priority slightly redundant. In many situations, top priority, highest priority or simply priority can be clearer and more concise.

Why People Confuse It

People debate first priority because:

• The original meaning of priority is “the state of coming before others.”
• Some style guides discourage redundant expressions.
• Business and government writing frequently uses first priority for emphasis.
• Native speakers often choose it naturally in conversation.

As a result, you’ll hear both opinions: one based on strict style, the other on common usage.

First Priority

First priority is a noun phrase used to emphasize the most important task, goal, or concern.

Meaning

It refers to:

• The most urgent objective.
• The task that should be handled before others.
• The highest level of importance.

Examples

• Safety is our first priority.
• Customer satisfaction remains our first priority.
• My first priority is finishing the project.
• Education should be the government’s first priority.
• Her first priority was protecting her family.

Priority

Priority on its own also means something that deserves attention before other matters.

In many cases, using priority alone is enough.

Examples

• Safety is our priority.
• Hiring qualified staff is a priority.
• This issue should be our highest priority.

These versions are often more concise while conveying the same meaning.

First Priority vs. Priority Comparison Table

Feature	First Priority	Priority
Grammatically correct	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Common in everyday English	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Adds emphasis	✅ Yes	❌ Usually no
More concise	❌ No	✅ Yes
Preferred in some style guides	Sometimes	✅ Often

When to Use Each

Use first priority when you want to:

• Emphasize the most important objective.
• Stress urgency.
• Highlight a key responsibility in speeches or presentations.

Examples:

• Employee safety is our first priority.
• Your recovery is my first priority.

Use priority when:

• The emphasis is already clear.
• You want concise, formal writing.

Examples:

• Quality remains our priority.
• Reducing costs is a priority.

Examples (10+)

1. Safety is our first priority.
2. My first priority is completing the report.
3. The company made customer service its first priority.
4. Public health became the government’s first priority.
5. Her children’s well-being is her first priority.
6. Finding a solution should be our first priority.
7. Improving communication is a priority for the team.
8. Environmental protection remains a national priority.
9. This project is my highest priority.
10. Making the workplace safer is our top priority.
11. Their first priority was restoring power after the storm.
12. Time management should be a priority for every student.

Common Mistakes

❌ Assuming first priority is always wrong.

✅ It is widely accepted and commonly used.

❌ Believing priority must always be modified.

✅ Often, priority alone is sufficient.

❌ Using multiple intensifiers together.

Example:

❌ This is our first top highest priority.

✅ This is our top priority.

✅ This is our first priority.

Choose one expression rather than stacking them.

Memory Trick

Think of it this way:

• Priority already means importance.
• First priority adds extra emphasis.

If you simply need to identify what’s important, use priority.

If you want to strongly emphasize what comes before everything else, first priority works naturally.

American vs British English

Both American and British English accept first priority.

However:

• Formal editors in both varieties may prefer priority, top priority or highest priority for conciseness.
• Everyday speech, business communication, and news media commonly use first priority.

The choice is usually a matter of style rather than grammar.

Similar Words and Expressions

If you’re improving your English usage, you may also like these guides:

• First Come, First Served vs First Come First Served
• Main Reason vs Primary Reason
• Principal vs Principle
• Important vs Essential
• Biggest vs Greatest
• Top Priority vs High Priority
• Main vs Primary

Final Verdict

First priority is grammatically correct and widely accepted in modern English. While some language experts view it as slightly redundant because priority already implies precedence, real world usage shows that the phrase is common in business, government, education and everyday conversation.

If your goal is concise writing, priority, top priority or highest priority may be better choices. If you want to emphasize the single most important concern, first priority is perfectly natural and easily understood.

FAQs

Is “first priority” grammatically correct?

Yes. It is grammatically correct and widely used.

Is “first priority” redundant?

Some style guides consider it slightly redundant because priority already implies importance or precedence. However, it is accepted in modern English for emphasis.

Which is better: first priority or top priority?

Both are correct. Top priority is often considered slightly more concise, while first priority adds emphasis.

Can I use “first priority” in professional writing?

Yes. It is common in business reports, presentations, emails, and public statements.

Should I simply say “priority”?

If the context already makes the importance clear, priority alone is often the most concise choice.

Is “first priority” used in American and British English?

Yes. Both varieties use the phrase, although editors may recommend shorter alternatives in formal writing.

Conclusion

The phrase first priority has been debated for years, but modern English usage makes one thing clear: it is both grammatical and widely understood. Although the word priority already suggests precedence, adding first can provide emphasis, especially when you want to highlight the single most important objective.

For concise writing, consider using priority, top priority, or highest priority when appropriate. But if your goal is to stress urgency or importance, you can confidently use first priority in both spoken and written English.

Remember This

✅ First priority = Correct and commonly used

✅ Priority = More concise

Choose first priority for emphasis and priority when brevity is preferred.