🌟 Is It Correct to Say “First Priority”? The Truth About This Controversial Phrase

Language evolves faster than rules can keep up. Some phrases become so common that we stop questioning them. One such phrase is “first priority.”

You’ve probably heard it in boardrooms, news briefings, or even motivational speeches. But grammar purists might argue it’s wrong—or at least redundant.

So, is it correct to say “first priority”? Let’s dig deeper into its meaning, grammar, and real-world use to find out why this phrase stirs such debate.

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What “Priority” Really Means

Definition

At its core, priority means something that’s treated as more important than other things. In plain terms, it’s what comes first in importance, urgency, or sequence.

According to standard dictionaries, priority refers to:

“Something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives.”

Etymology

The word “priority” comes from the Latin prioritas, meaning state of being earlier or preceding in importance or time. Originally, it described a singular concept—something that comes before everything else.

That means, technically, you couldn’t have multiple priorities because only one thing could come “first.” But language isn’t static, and usage has shifted over centuries.

Semantic Evolution

By the mid-20th century, people began using “priorities” in the plural form, reflecting modern life’s complexity. We now juggle many “priorities,” even though the original meaning implied just one.

In essence:

• Old meaning: One supreme concern.
• Modern meaning: Multiple important things arranged by rank.

This shift laid the foundation for why “first priority” exists today.

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Is “First Priority” Grammatically Redundant?

Grammatically speaking, yes—it can be redundant. But that doesn’t mean it’s always wrong. Let’s unpack why.

Logical Redundancy

By definition, a priority already implies precedence. Saying “first priority” could sound like saying “first first thing.”
For example:

❌ “Our first priority is safety.”
✅ “Our priority is safety.”

The second version already communicates importance without extra words.

Functional Redundancy

However, not all redundancy is bad. In fact, redundancy often adds emphasis, clarity, or rhythm to speech. We see it in phrases like:

• “Past history”
• “End result”
• “Final outcome”
• “Free gift”

Each example repeats meaning, yet all are accepted in everyday English because they sound natural and reinforce the message.

So while “first priority” is technically redundant, it functions as a linguistic intensifier, signaling urgency or hierarchy.

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When “First Priority” Actually Works

There are cases where “first priority” makes perfect sense—even from a communication standpoint.

Emphasis in Urgent Contexts

When the goal is to express emotional intensity or high stakes, redundancy becomes a feature, not a flaw.

For example:

• “In this crisis, saving lives is our first priority.”
• “Our first priority is restoring service for customers.”

In such cases, “first” underscores urgency. It adds emotional weight and immediacy that “priority” alone may lack.

Speech vs. Logic

Spoken English values emphasis over precision. People use “first priority” naturally because it sounds emphatic and decisive. Listeners respond more to tone and phrasing than strict grammar rules.

Register and Tone

Register refers to how formal or informal your language is.

• In formal writing, “priority” alone often suffices.
• In spoken language or persuasive communication, “first priority” can sound stronger and more engaging.

Example:

• Formal report: “Safety remains our priority.”
• Motivational speech: “Safety is our first priority!”

Both are correct—the difference lies in tone and intent.

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Smarter Alternatives to “First Priority”

When clarity or brevity matters, you can replace “first priority” with sharper alternatives that fit your tone.

Context	Instead of “First Priority,” Say:
Business	“Top priority,” “primary focus,” “main objective”
Emergency	“Highest urgency,” “critical concern,” “chief focus”
Everyday	“Main thing,” “most important task,” “number one goal”
Academic	“Principal concern,” “dominant factor,” “key consideration”

Example Rewrites

• ❌ “Our first priority is to reduce waste.”
• ✅ “Our top priority is reducing waste.”
• ✅ “Our main goal is to reduce waste.”

Subtle shifts like these make writing tighter and more professional.

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Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Let’s look at how “first priority” appears in real-world communication—and why people still use it.

Case Study 1: Emergency Services

During emergencies, clarity and emotion matter more than syntax.

“Our first priority is saving lives,” said the fire chief.

The phrase assures the public that human life comes before property or logistics. It communicates values, not grammar. In this case, redundancy serves empathy and reassurance.

Case Study 2: Corporate Strategy

In corporate communications, leaders use “first priority” to signal focus and leadership clarity.

“Customer satisfaction is our first priority.”

Even though it’s redundant, it’s effective because it conveys authority and order.

Executives know words shape perception. Saying “priority” alone might sound passive; “first priority” feels decisive and motivating.

Case Study 3: Journalism

Journalists often quote sources verbatim. “First priority” appears frequently in political speeches, business statements, and interviews because it reflects authentic human speech patterns.

Media examples:

• “The president said public safety remains the administration’s first priority.”
• “Ensuring supply chain stability is our first priority,” noted the CEO.

These uses show that redundancy can improve clarity when information must be absorbed quickly by large audiences.

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Cultural and Linguistic Perspectives

Language rules differ across cultures. What sounds redundant in one dialect might sound natural in another.

American vs. British English

American English tends to embrace directness and emotional emphasis. British English, on the other hand, leans toward linguistic precision and understatement.

So, you’ll hear:

• US: “Our first priority is growth.”
• UK: “Our priority is growth.”

Neither is wrong; the difference lies in cultural communication style.

Global English Trends

As English becomes the global business language, phrases like “first priority” gain acceptance because they translate easily across linguistic backgrounds. Redundancy ensures clarity when English is a second language.

Language Evolution

Over time, repeated use normalizes once-criticized phrases. Linguists call this semantic bleaching—when overuse erodes strict meaning but enhances accessibility.

Examples:

• “Literally” used figuratively.
• “Irregardless” creeping into accepted use.
• “First priority” transitioning from error to norm.

This natural evolution explains why the phrase survives, despite grammatical purists’ objections.

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Grammar Verdict: What Experts Say

Linguists and editors fall into two main camps.

The Prescriptive View

Prescriptive grammar focuses on how language should be used.
From this angle, “first priority” is clearly redundant because “priority” already indicates what comes first.

They argue:

“If something is a priority, it’s already first. The phrase adds no meaning.”

You’ll find this stance in formal grammar guides and editing manuals.

The Descriptive View

Descriptive grammar studies how people actually use language.
Descriptive linguists accept “first priority” as valid because usage defines correctness. If millions of people use a phrase effectively, it becomes acceptable.

As linguist Steven Pinker puts it:

“Rules don’t make language; people do.”

Linguistic Consensus

The middle ground:

• Technically: It’s redundant.
• Practically: It’s acceptable for emphasis.

Use it thoughtfully depending on audience, tone, and context.

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Final Takeaways

To use “first priority” effectively, understand what you’re trying to achieve—precision or persuasion.

Scenario	Best Practice
Academic/Professional Writing	Avoid redundancy. Use “priority” alone.
Public Communication	Acceptable for emphasis or emotion.
Marketing/Speeches	Use when tone needs strength or urgency.
Formal Reports	Replace with “top priority” or “primary focus.”

Acceptable vs. Problematic Redundancies in English

Acceptable Redundancies	Problematic Redundancies
First priority	ATM machine
End result	PIN number
True fact	Unexpected surprise
Free gift	Advance planning

The left column examples often enhance emphasis or rhythm; the right ones simply repeat information without adding value.

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FAQs About “First Priority”

Is it grammatically correct to say “first priority”?

Technically, it’s redundant but not incorrect. Grammarians prefer “priority,” yet “first priority” is widely accepted for emphasis.

What’s the difference between “first priority” and “top priority”?

They mean the same thing, but “top priority” sounds smoother and is more accepted in professional writing.

When should I avoid saying “first priority”?

Avoid it in academic, technical, or edited writing where redundancy weakens clarity.

Why do people say “first priority” if it’s redundant?

Because it sounds natural and emphatic. Human speech values rhythm and emotion more than precision.

Is “first priority” American English?

It’s more common in American English, but global speakers use it in media, politics, and business.

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Conclusion

Language isn’t a math equation—it’s a living system shaped by people. “First priority” shows how usage often outpaces grammar.

If your goal is clarity and emotional resonance, it’s fine to use it. But if you’re writing for precision, skip the “first.”

As a rule of thumb:

Use “first priority” when emotion matters. Use “priority” when precision matters.

Because at the end of the day, a true priority doesn’t need “first” to lead.