I often think about how people started using the phrase “first priority” in everyday business. It’s used in meetings, sessions, and even casual talk—and while it may sound strange, the answer to “Is It Correct to Say ‘First Priority’?” depends on how it’s being used. In many settings, it’s not about being grammatically correct, but about sending a precise message that’s clearer and stronger. Consider this: if it helps avoid confusion, if it adds power to your point, then it may actually be the right approach. I’ve heard it in corporate pitches, mission statements, and even from friends making fast decisions—and in all those moments, it just fits.
Some phrases, though seemingly redundant, carry an emotional punch. When someone says “first priority,” it feels powerful, like a whisper in the head—a way to communicate importance without needing to explain. It’s a common expression, especially when things are urgent. Grammar rules have their place, but nuances in language allow us to use what works. I’ve come across accepted uses in corporate statements, goal-setting, and even in cut-and-dry legal documents. This proves that even phrases that seem grammatically odd can be the best choice when the matter is serious.
What Does “Priority” Actually Mean?
Before we dissect the phrase, we need to understand the word at its core: priority.
Definition: Priority (noun) – something that is regarded as more important than another.
It comes from the Latin word “prioritas,” which means “the state of being earlier.” Historically, “priority” implied a singular, most important thing.
Fun Fact:
In the 1400s, “priority” was never plural. You had one priority. Period. The word didn’t originally imply a list.
But over time, especially in modern English, we’ve softened this rule. Today, it’s not unusual to hear someone list out their “top three priorities,” and even that’s considered acceptable.
The Grammar Behind “First Priority”
At first glance, “first priority” might look redundant.
- After all, if something is a priority, isn’t it already first in importance?
However, grammar and usage are two different beasts. From a pure grammatical standpoint, there’s nothing technically wrong with the phrase “first priority.” The adjective “first” is used here for emphasis or to distinguish among multiple priorities.
Let’s compare:
| Phrase | Meaning |
| “This is my priority.” | It’s the most important item. |
| “This is my first priority.” | Suggests a ranked order among multiple important items. |
In essence, the grammar allows it—but whether it’s the best or clearest choice is a different story.
Is Saying “First Priority” Technically Wrong?
No, it’s not wrong—but it can be unnecessary depending on context.
Saying “first priority” is not a grammatical error. It’s often viewed as redundant, but not incorrect.
Let’s break it down:
- “Priority” means “first importance.”
- Adding “first” may feel repetitive, but it’s often used to:
- Create clarity in a list of tasks
- Emphasize urgency
- Highlight sequencing
- Create clarity in a list of tasks
Examples:
- ✅ “My first priority is student safety.”
- ❌ “My first top main priority is student safety.” (Overkill)
Verdict: Not wrong, but overuse or misuse can clutter your writing.
Redundancy in English: A Feature, Not Always a Flaw
The English language is full of intentional redundancies, especially in spoken communication.
Common Redundant Phrases:
- “Free gift”
- “Close proximity”
- “Advance planning”
- “End result”
- “Actual fact”
These are not wrong. They add emphasis, rhythm, or clarity. In the same way, “first priority” often reinforces importance more than it violates grammar rules.
When to Use “First Priority” — And When to Avoid It
The key here is intentionality. Ask yourself: Do I need to say “first” to make my point clearer or stronger?
Use “First Priority” When:
- You’re ranking multiple items in order of urgency
- You want to emphasize the most urgent among several tasks
- The context involves progressive planning or sequencing
Avoid It When:
- There’s only one task or focus (no need to say “first”)
- You want to sound more concise or professional
- You’re aiming for tight, high-impact writing (especially in essays or reports)
Better Alternatives to “First Priority”
If you’re writing or speaking in a formal or professional setting, some alternatives work better without sounding repetitive or clunky.
Recommended Substitutes:
| Alternative Phrase | Tone | Example |
| Top priority | Professional | “Student safety is our top priority.” |
| Primary concern | Formal | “The primary concern is data integrity.” |
| Main focus | Neutral | “Our main focus is academic excellence.” |
| Urgent matter | Business-like | “This is an urgent matter for review.” |
| Principal task | Academic/formal | “The principal task is system design.” |
Use tip:
If you’re drafting an email or memo, “top priority” is often the clearest and most accepted term in business and academia.
Using “Top Priority” in Professional Communication
In workplace settings, clarity is everything. Whether you’re a teacher drafting a lesson plan or a project manager juggling deadlines, “top priority” communicates urgency + hierarchy without sounding redundant.
Sample Email Comparison:
✅ Professional:
“Please treat the compliance update as a top priority this week.”
❌ Clunky:
“Please treat the compliance update as the first top main priority this week.”
Why “Top Priority” Wins:
- Sounds polished and purposeful
- Accepted in both written and spoken business communication
- Avoids layering redundant modifiers
Context Matters: Picking the Right Phrase
Let’s look at real-world situations for students, teachers, and professionals in the U.S.
Student Example:
“My first priority this semester is raising my GPA.”
- Acceptable. Implies other goals exist but GPA comes first.
Teacher Example:
“My top priority this week is preparing the curriculum.”
- More professional tone, better for formal reports or communication with admin.
Professional Example:
“Our primary focus this quarter is cybersecurity.”
- Best for team updates, meetings, or stakeholder communication.
The phrase you choose should match your tone, purpose, and audience.
The Psychology of Prioritization in American English
Americans tend to structure communication around efficiency and clarity. This is reflected in how we talk about priorities.
Cultural Notes:
- Americans like lists: top 3 goals, top 5 tasks, top priority
- Emphasis helps reinforce action: “What’s our first priority?”
- Clarity is valued over rigid grammar rules
Using “first priority” may sound slightly redundant, but in U.S. culture, emphasis often beats precision in speech.
Case Study – Corporate America:
In Fortune 500 companies, internal reports and memos regularly use “top priority” and “first priority” interchangeably—depending on tone, formality, and audience.
Language Evolves: Is “First Priority” Becoming Acceptable?
Absolutely. Like many phrases that started off questionable, “first priority” has found its place in modern usage.
Evidence from Data:
- Google Books Ngram Viewer shows a steady increase in usage of “first priority” since the 1960s.
- In the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), “first priority” appears frequently in news, spoken dialogue, and academic writing.
As long as it’s used for clarity, not word count padding, “first priority” is accepted—and even expected—in many communication settings.
Final Takeaway: What Should You Say Instead?
Here’s a quick rule-of-thumb checklist:
Use “first priority” when:
- You need to rank among other priorities
- You want to emphasize urgency clearly
Prefer “top priority” when:
- You’re writing formally
- The goal is concise, polished communication
Avoid stacked redundancy like:
- “Top first most urgent main priority”
Pro Tip: Always consider your audience and tone. In casual speech, “first priority” is totally fine. In formal writing, try a cleaner alternative.
Quick Reference Table
| Phrase | Use Case | Tone | Common In |
| First priority | Emphasis on ranking | Neutral | Speech, casual writing |
| Top priority | Clear hierarchy, formal emphasis | Professional | Emails, workplace, reports |
| Main concern | General focus | Balanced | Academic papers, discussions |
| Primary focus | Strategic or long-term planning | Formal | Strategic plans, outlines |
| Chief objective | Key goal | Elevated | Executive summaries |
Conclusion
The phrase “first priority” might not follow traditional grammar rules strictly, but language evolves with usage, not just logic. If a phrase helps communicate your message more clearly—especially in urgent or business settings—it’s okay to use it. Whether you’re talking to your team, writing a statement, or just trying to avoid confusion, what matters is how well your words express your point. As long as your intent is clear and your audience understands you, there’s no harm in saying “first priority.” Sometimes, clarity wins over rules.
FAQs
Is it grammatically correct to say “first priority”?
Technically, “priority” already means something is important, so “first priority” may seem redundant. But in practice, it’s widely accepted and used to emphasize urgency or rank.
Why do people still use “first priority” if it’s considered redundant?
Because it helps people express importance and sequence more clearly. In real conversations and business documents, it adds weight and clarity.
What are better alternatives to “first priority”?
You can say “top priority,” “main concern,” or just “priority” depending on the context. Still, “first priority” is fine if it fits your tone and audience.
Is “first priority” accepted in formal writing?
Yes, especially in corporate or mission-driven documents. It’s seen in official statements, presentations, and emails—even if some sticklers may not prefer it.
Can I use “first priority” in academic writing?
It’s better to avoid it in academic papers where concise language matters. Use terms like “primary objective” or “top priority” instead.
