From my experience with clients and teams, I’ve seen how important it is to give First Priority to precise communication in all settings. While the phrase “first priority” might sound simple, it often brings debate among professionals about whether it’s redundant. Still, the usage of this term, especially in business or casual settings, adds an emphasis that strengthens the expression. A clearly written memo stating the first task helps people prepare and focus. Whether in formal writing or a clear speech, the clarity this brings is undeniable. Beyond grammar and rules, such terms must stand strong when it matters. This is where their functionality truly shines.
With time, I’ve learned to understand how to harness language effectively to shape the message. Whether in editing or writing an article, choosing to substitute a word or keeping it can deeply impact how we communicate. In American English, these choices don’t just reflect correctness, but also cultural tone and style. Exploring the validity of expressions like “first priority” helps build lasting impact. Through awareness, practice, and the willingness to question perception and convention, we develop a deliberate method to serve our content with clarity—treating language as a tool, not a rulebook.
Understanding the Concept of “Priority”
What Does “Priority” Mean?
At its core, a priority is something treated as more important than other things. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition is:
“Something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives.”
The Cambridge Dictionary echoes this:
“Something that is very important and must be dealt with before other things.”
Where Did the Word Come From?
Let’s take a look at its roots:
| Term | Origin | Meaning |
| Priority | Latin prioritas | “fact or condition of being earlier” |
| Prior | Latin prior | “former, earlier” |
Originally, the word priority was singular by nature. There could only be one priority – the most important thing. Only later did modern English start using multiple priorities, a shift driven by practical usage in the 20th century.
Is “First Priority” Grammatically Redundant?
The Redundancy Debate
Many grammar purists argue that “first priority” is redundant. Why?
Because the word priority already implies ‘firstness’.
Saying “first priority,” in this view, is like saying “first first.”
But here’s the twist: language evolves. Usage matters just as much as rules.
Why It’s Not Always Redundant
In real-world communication, emphasis matters. While “priority” implies importance, adding “first” heightens that importance and adds clarity in certain contexts.
Compare:
- ✅ “This is our top priority.”
- ✅ “This is our first priority.”
- ✅ “This is a priority.”
All are grammatically correct. But they differ in tone, weight, and urgency.
When Is It Acceptable to Say “First Priority”?
Context Is Everything
There are many scenarios where “first priority” is not just acceptable – it’s effective.
Use it when:
- You want to signal urgency or sequence in decisions.
- You’re speaking or writing to an audience that values clarity over conciseness.
- You need to emphasize that something is more urgent than other priorities.
Real-World Examples:
- Healthcare: “Patient safety is our first priority.”
- Customer Service: “Resolving your issue is our first priority.”
- Government: “Restoring power after the hurricane is our first priority.”
The phrase acts like a signal flare, alerting the listener that this is what truly matters now.
“Top Priority” vs. “First Priority”
Similar But Not Synonymous
Let’s explore how “first priority” differs from other priority-related phrases.
| Phrase | Meaning | Tone |
| First Priority | Emphasizes order and urgency | Formal, structured |
| Top Priority | Emphasizes rank and importance | Dynamic, flexible |
| Primary Concern | Focus on core issue | Formal, neutral |
| Number-One Goal | Used to motivate or inspire | Informal, casual |
Example:
- “Your safety is our top priority” = high importance overall.
- “Your safety is our first priority” = urgent and comes before all else.
Which Should You Use?
- Use “top priority” when comparing multiple tasks or goals.
- Use “first priority” when identifying the starting point or initial focus.
Redundancy in Modern English: A Linguistic Reality
English is full of expressions that would be considered redundant by strict logic but are embraced for clarity and rhythm.
Common Redundant Phrases
| Phrase | Redundant Component | Accepted Usage |
| Free gift | Gifts are free | Yes |
| Advance warning | Warnings are in advance | Yes |
| Close proximity | Proximity implies closeness | Yes |
| End result | All results are at the end | Yes |
| First priority | Priority implies first | Yes |
Why do we use them?
Because in spoken and written communication, repetition often emphasizes, clarifies, or softens meaning. It’s a stylistic tool, not always a mistake.
Alternative Phrases to Replace “First Priority”
Sometimes, “first priority” isn’t the best fit – especially in academic or technical writing. Let’s look at polished alternatives.
Best Substitutes Depending on Context
| Alternative Phrase | Ideal Usage Context |
| Top concern | Health, public policy |
| Primary objective | Strategic planning, business |
| Chief focus | Project management, consulting |
| Number-one priority | Sales, customer service |
| Foremost issue | Journalism, reports |
Examples in Use:
- “Reducing emissions is our primary objective in this initiative.”
- “Security remains our top concern moving forward.”
- “The foremost issue facing the team is a lack of resources.”
Case Studies: “First Priority” in the Real World
Case 1: Emergency Response
In a FEMA statement after a natural disaster:
“Our first priority is ensuring the safety of all residents in the affected zones.”
Here, the phrase emphasizes sequence and importance – immediate human safety before logistics or politics.
Case 2: Corporate Crisis Communication
After a product recall, a CEO writes:
“Customer well-being is our first priority as we address this issue.”
This conveys sincerity and accountability, boosting trust.
Case 3: Misuse in PR
“We’ve made it our first priority to focus on secondary features.”
This confuses the audience. “First priority” and “secondary features” contradict, weakening the message. A better phrase would be “upcoming focus” or “enhanced support.”
Professional Writing Tips: Using Priority Terms Wisely
Here’s how to decide when and how to use “first priority” or an alternative:
Checklist:
✅ Is there a sequence or order of importance involved? ✅ Are you addressing a time-sensitive issue? ✅ Does your audience expect clear, emotional emphasis? ✅ Is it business casual or formal tone?
If all yes, “first priority” works.
If you’re writing academically or to an editorial standard, opt for less redundant phrases like:
- Primary concern
- Main focus
- Most critical task
Cultural Influence on Language Use in the US
Language reflects culture. In American English, emphasis is common and often expected.
Why It Matters:
- Americans favor directness and clarity.
- Redundant emphasis (like “first priority”) is a common way to signal commitment.
- In cultures where indirectness is valued (e.g., Japan or Finland), such phrasing may be considered overkill.
Example Comparison:
- American: “Our first priority is making this right.”
- British: “The matter will be dealt with promptly.”
The American version is more emotionally loaded – and often more effective in persuasive communication.
Psychological and Strategic Use of “First Priority”
Why Leaders Use It Often
Leaders in politics, business, and healthcare use “first priority” to convey alignment and focus.
- It creates a sense of urgency
- Shows intentional decision-making
- Communicates where the energy is going
In Cognitive Science:
The brain remembers the first thing it hears in a list (primacy effect). Saying “first priority” exploits that by making sure your audience remembers your key message.
Is “First Priority” Wrong in Formal Writing?
Let’s Check the Style Guides:
| Style Guide | Recommendation on Redundancy |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Prefer clarity over conciseness; redundancy is fine if it aids understanding |
| APA | Avoid redundancy in scientific writing |
| AP Stylebook | Use plain, direct language; “first priority” is acceptable in quotes or context |
Bottom Line?
- In technical or academic contexts: Use precise alternatives.
- In marketing, media, or public communication: “First priority” works well if used intentionally.
Final Thoughts
The phrase “first priority” may seem redundant at first glance, but in practice, it serves a powerful purpose in both written and spoken English. While “priority” already implies importance, adding “first” can create clarity, urgency, and focus – especially in situations where sequence or time sensitivity matters.
In a world overloaded with competing messages, phrases like “first priority” help spotlight what truly matters. Just like a lighthouse in foggy waters, it guides your audience toward the most urgent or important task. When used purposefully and sparingly, it enhances clarity – not confusion.
FAQs: Is It Correct to Say “First Priority”?
Is “first priority” grammatically correct?
Yes, while some view it as redundant, it’s grammatically acceptable and widely used in both formal and informal settings. It adds emphasis and is especially useful when you want to highlight the order of importance or urgency.
When should I use “first priority” instead of “top priority”?
Use “first priority” when referring to sequence or urgency, especially in time-sensitive contexts. “Top priority” fits better when ranking importance without implying time order – like strategic planning or performance metrics.
Is “first priority” appropriate in academic writing?
It’s best to avoid it in formal academic writing due to its perceived redundancy. Instead, use alternatives like “primary focus,” “chief concern,” or “main objective” to maintain precision and clarity.
What are some professional alternatives to “first priority”?
Professional alternatives include “primary concern,” “top objective,” “chief focus,” “most urgent matter,” and “number-one goal.” Each has slightly different connotations suited for specific industries or tones of communication.
Why does “first priority” still get used if it’s redundant?
Because language is driven by usage, not just rules. “First priority” emphasizes urgency and importance. In spoken and written communication, redundancy can enhance clarity and engagement – especially in persuasive or urgent messaging.