Is It Correct to Say “First Priority”?  

The phrase “first priority” is widely used, but is it grammatically correct? At first glance, it seems logical—after all, we often want to emphasise what matters most. However, some argue that it’s redundant since a priority is already something of high importance.

So, should you use “first priority,” or is there a better way to phrase it? This article explores its linguistic accuracy, proper usage, and alternative expressions that can improve your communication.

The Grammar and Linguistic Breakdown

What Does “Priority” Mean?

A priority is something that holds the highest level of importance at a given time. According to the Oxford English Dictionary:

Priority (noun): The fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others.

By definition, something cannot be more of a priority than another priority—either it is a priority, or it is not. This is where the redundancy argument comes into play.

Why “First Priority” Is Considered Redundant

The word “first” suggests sequence or ranking, but priority already implies that something comes before everything else. Saying “first priority” is similar to saying:

• “Cold ice” (ice is already cold)
• “Unexpected surprise” (a surprise is always unexpected)
• “Basic fundamentals” (fundamentals are always basic)

From a strict grammatical perspective, “first priority” is redundant because a priority doesn’t need a ranking—it’s already the most important thing.

When “First Priority” Is Used (and When It’s Not Necessary)

Even though “first priority” is grammatically questionable, it remains a commonly used phrase. In certain contexts, its emphasis can justify its usage.

Situations Where “First Priority” Makes Sense

In informal or spoken English, redundancy is often accepted for emphasis. Some cases where “first priority” might be appropriate include:

✅ Business Communication – When ranking multiple priorities for clarity:

• “Our first priority is customer satisfaction, followed by product quality.”

✅ Emergency Situations – When listing critical actions:

• “In case of a fire, your first priority should be getting to safety.”

✅ Government and Policy Statements – When conveying urgency:

• “National security remains our first priority.”

In these cases, redundancy adds weight to the statement, helping the audience grasp what is most crucial.

When “First Priority” Is Unnecessary

In more formal or precise writing, avoiding redundancy leads to clearer communication. For example:

❌ Instead of: “My first priority is finishing my project.”
✔ Say: “My priority is finishing my project.”

❌ Instead of: “Safety is our first priority at work.”
✔ Say: “Safety is our top priority at work.”

In professional and academic writing, conciseness improves readability and makes the message stronger.

Misconceptions About Redundancy in Language

Many people believe that redundancy always weakens language, but that’s not entirely true.

When Redundancy Enhances Clarity

Redundancy can sometimes help when:

• Clarifying importance: “First priority” signals something is above other priorities.
• Avoiding ambiguity: “Priority” can be singular or plural, so “first priority” eliminates confusion.
• Strengthening tone: Redundant phrases often make speech more engaging and persuasive.

Common Redundant Phrases People Use Daily

Redundant Phrase	More Concise Alternative
End result	Result
Advance planning	Planning
Close proximity	Proximity
Final conclusion	Conclusion
Past history	History

In casual conversation, redundancy is less of an issue. However, in professional and academic settings, clarity always wins.

Stronger Alternatives to “First Priority”

If you want to avoid redundancy while still emphasising importance, here are some better ways to say “first priority”:

Professional and Business Settings

• Top priority – “Customer satisfaction is our top priority.”
• Primary focus – “Our primary focus is increasing efficiency.”
• Key objective – “Reducing costs is a key objective this quarter.”

Casual and Everyday Communication

• Main concern – “My main concern is finishing this project.”
• Number one goal – “My number one goal is staying healthy.”
• Most important task – “The most important task is meeting the deadline.”

Choosing the right phrase depends on context, but all of these avoid redundancy while maintaining clarity.

Context Matters: Choosing the Right Priority Phrase

The way you communicate priorities changes depending on the situation. Here’s how to pick the right phrase:

Setting	Best Phrase to Use	Example Sentence
Business & Corporate	Top priority	“Customer service is our top priority.”
Emergency & Safety	First concern	“Your first concern should be your safety.”
Personal Productivity	Primary focus	“My primary focus is completing my thesis.”
Academic Writing	Principal objective	“The principal objective of this study is…”

Choosing words carefully ensures clear and effective communication.

How to Effectively Communicate Priorities

Tips for Clear and Effective Communication

1. Be concise – Avoid unnecessary words.
2. Use strong, direct language – “Our priority is safety,” not “Our main first priority is safety.”
3. Consider your audience – Business professionals prefer precise wording, while casual audiences accept redundancy.
4. Use bullet points or numbering – These structures make priorities visually clear.

The Role of Prioritisation in Productivity and Decision-Making

Understanding how to set priorities enhances productivity and helps in decision-making.

How to Identify Your True Priority

• Evaluate urgency vs. importance – What needs immediate attention?
• Use a priority matrix – Categorize tasks by impact and urgency.
• Limit priorities – If everything is a priority, nothing is.

A well-structured priority list ensures better time management and goal achievement.

Cultural and Linguistic Variations in Prioritisation Terminology

The concept of priority exists in all languages, but the phrasing varies across cultures.

Language	Common Priority Phrase	Translation Meaning
English	Top priority	Most important
Spanish	Prioritised principal	Main priority
French	Prioritise absolute	Absolute priority
German	Höchste Priorität	Highest priority
Japanese	最優先 (Sensation)	First/Top priority

Some languages inherently use redundancy, while others favor brevity. Understanding these nuances improves cross-cultural communication.

Conclusion: Should You Say “First Priority”?

The phrase “first priority” is technically redundant, as a priority is already the most important thing. However, it remains widely used, especially in spoken language and informal settings.

In formal writing and professional communication, it’s better to use clearer alternatives like:

✅ Top priority – “Customer service is our top priority.”
✅ Primary focus – “Our primary focus is innovation.”
✅ Main concern – “My main concern is safety.”

Ultimately, context matters. If you want to emphasize urgency, “first priority” can work, but in most cases, concise language is stronger and more professional.

FAQs About “First Priority”

Is it grammatically incorrect to say “first priority”?

It’s not technically incorrect, but it is redundant. Since a priority is already something of highest importance, adding “first” is unnecessary in most cases.

What is a better way to say “first priority”?

Instead of saying “first priority,” you can use:

• Top priority
• Primary focus
• Main concern
• Number one goal

When is it okay to use “first priority”?

You can use it when you need extra emphasis, such as in spoken language, marketing, or urgent situations:
✅ “Your first priority in an emergency should be safety.”

Is “top priority” better than “first priority”?

Yes. “Top priority” is more widely accepted and avoids redundancy while still emphasizing importance.

Does the phrase “first priority” appear in official documents?

Yes, but rarely. Most professional documents prefer “top priority” or “primary concern” because they are more precise and grammatically sound.

Does redundancy weaken communication?

Not always. In some cases, redundancy adds clarity or emphasis. However, in formal writing and professional communication, concise wording is best.