Is It Correct to Say “First Priority”?

In everyday conversations—especially in meetings or during strategic discussions—you’ll often hear someone say “first priority.” While some grammar purists might argue that it’s redundant (after all, a priority is already something important), language isn’t always about being perfect—it’s about being clear and effective.

Over the years, especially while editing documents, reviewing mission statements, or sitting in boardrooms, I’ve realized that communication is more about clarity than rigid rules. Sure, you could just say “priority” or “top priority”—and in many cases, those work just fine. But sometimes, saying “first priority” adds that extra sense of urgency and order, making it crystal clear what needs attention right now.Language evolves, and the way we interpret grammar, usage, and tone shifts over time. What may have once been labelled as “incorrect” can become widely accepted if it helps people communicate better. That’s the beauty of English—it adapts to the situation and audience.

Of course, context matters. What sounds right in a casual team chat might not be the best fit for a formal document. Still, I’ve seen real-world examples where using “first priority” made a statement feel more impact, more decisive. It not only emphasised importance but also sequence, which is often exactly what the speaker intends.So, is “first priority” grammatically perfect? Maybe not. But if it helps get your point across and connects with your audience, then it’s doing its job. In the end, effective communication always beats nitpicking over the rules.

Quick Summary

The phrase “first priority” is often seen as redundant, since a priority is already something important. However, in real-world conversations—especially in meetings, emails, and planning sessions—the phrase can add clarity and emphasize urgency. While some prefer alternatives like “top priority” or just “priority”, the key is effective communication.Context matters—what works in a team chat might not fit formal writing. Still, if saying “first priority” makes your message clearer and stronger, it’s perfectly acceptable in modern usage. In the end, it’s not just about grammar—it’s about making sure your message is understood.

What Does “Priority” Really Mean?

Before judging “first priority,” let’s clarify what priority means.

The word “priority” comes from the Latin prioritas, which means “the condition of being earlier or more important.” In English, it refers to something given precedence or more importance over other things. This definition already implies an order or ranking.

Key Points about Priority:

• Implied order: A priority is inherently ranked; something is more important than other things.
  
• Singular or plural: You can have one priority or several priorities ranked in order.
  
• Used in various fields: From business strategy to daily tasks, priorities guide decision-making and focus.

Knowing this, we see that priority carries the idea of importance and sequencing in one word.

Is “First Priority” Redundant?

Here’s the crux: since “priority” already means something is more important or comes before others, adding “first” can seem redundant.

Think about it like this:

• “Priority” = something that comes before others
• “First priority” = the first thing that comes before others

The phrase repeats the concept of order. It’s similar to saying “free gift” (gifts are by nature free) or “ATM machine” (the M already stands for machine).

Examples of Redundancies

Phrase	Explanation	Why it’s redundant
Free gift	Gifts are usually free	“Free” is unnecessary
ATM machine	“M” means machine	Repeats the word “machine”
First priority	Priority implies order	“First” repeats the order idea

Verdict: From a strict grammar and logic standpoint, “first priority” is redundant. But that’s not the end of the story.

How “First Priority” Shows Up in Real Life

Despite the redundancy, “first priority” is everywhere—in emails, corporate meetings, government speeches, and everyday talk.

Why does it persist?

• Emphasis: Saying “first priority” highlights the top importance.
• Clarity: When listing several priorities, numbering them (first, second, third) helps clarity.
• Habit: Language habits often override strict grammar rules.
• Stylistic choice: Writers and speakers may prefer the rhythm or tone of “first priority.”

Real Usage Data

Corpus research shows “first priority” appears frequently in both spoken and written English.

• In the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), “first priority” appears over 7,000 times, indicating strong acceptance.
  
• In business reports and news, it often introduces the most important issue or focus.

This suggests the phrase has gained linguistic acceptance, especially in informal and semi-formal contexts.

When Saying “First Priority” Works Best

Though redundant, there are situations where “first priority” is clear and effective.

Contexts where it fits:

• Multiple priorities listed:
  “Our first priority is customer safety, our second priority is speed.”
  Here, numbering priorities helps organize thoughts clearly.
  
• Emphasis for effect:
  Saying “first priority” adds weight and focus in speeches or presentations.
  
• Audience clarity:
  For listeners or readers unfamiliar with the concept, “first priority” spells out the order explicitly.

Example case study:

A manufacturing company clearly listed priorities in their safety manual:

Priority Rank	Focus Area	Explanation
First priority	Employee safety	Protecting workers from hazards
Second priority	Production quality	Ensuring products meet standards
Third priority	Cost reduction	Minimizing expenses without risk

In this example, “first priority” helps readers quickly grasp the hierarchy of concerns.

Better Alternatives to “First Priority”

If you want to avoid redundancy but still communicate clearly, some phrases work better.

Recommended alternatives:

• Top priority – Strong and clear, widely accepted
• Primary concern – Formal and precise
• Most important task – Straightforward and direct
• Number one priority – Casual but effective
• Main focus – General and adaptable

Quick-reference alternative table:

Situation	Instead of “First Priority”	Better Phrase
Business reports	First priority	Top priority
Writing headlines	First priority	Primary concern
Safety instructions	First priority	Number one priority
Marketing campaigns	First priority	Main focus

Using these alternatives helps avoid repetition while sounding sharp and professional.

What Do Experts and Style Guides Say?

Leading grammar and style authorities weigh in on “first priority” and redundancy.

Style guide perspectives:

• Chicago Manual of Style: Suggests avoiding redundancies like “first priority” but acknowledges common use for emphasis.
  
• APA Style: Recommends clear, concise language; warns about repetitive wording but accepts some redundancy if clarity improves.
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Lists “priority” as implying rank; usage examples show “first priority” is widely used.
• Bryan Garner, a renowned legal writing expert, notes that redundancy isn’t always wrong—sometimes it clarifies or emphasizes.

Linguists’ view:

Linguist Steven Pinker highlights that language naturally evolves to favor clarity and emphasis, even if that means breaking strict rules.

How to Decide When to Use “First Priority”

Instead of rigidly avoiding “first priority,” think about these factors:

• Audience: Is your reader familiar with the concept? If not, “first priority” spells it out clearly.
• Formality: Avoid it in formal writing like academic papers; prefer “top priority” or “primary concern.”
• Tone: For speeches or persuasive writing, redundancy can add punch.
• Clarity: When listing several priorities, using “first priority” makes ranking explicit.

FAQs About “First Priority”

1. Is it “priority” or “first priority”?

 Both are correct, but “first priority” emphasizes the most important task or goal.
Priority” alone can imply importance, but adding “first” gives it clear rank.

2. What does “first prioritize” mean?

 “First prioritize” means to decide what’s most important before taking action.
It stresses the need to organize tasks by urgency or significance first.

3. What is a word for “first priority”?

 A synonym for “first priority” is “top priority” or “main concern”.
Other options include “chief focus”, “primary goal”, or “highest priority”.

4. What is a good sentence for “priority”?

 “Safety is our top priority during construction.”
This shows that safety is treated as more important than anything else.

5. What’s your first priority in life?

 Everyone’s answer varies, but common first priorities include family, health, or happiness.
It reflects what you value most and aim to protect or achieve.

Final Thoughts: Should You Say “First Priority”?

In conclusion, while some may view “first priority” as redundant, its usage is widely accepted in both formal and informal settings. It effectively emphasizes the most urgent or important task among several. When used appropriately, the phrase “first priority” enhances clarity, especially in contexts like project planning, emergency response, and business strategy. Though “priority” by itself implies importance, adding “first” helps specify order and focus. Therefore, it is correct to say “first priority”, as long as it serves a clear communicative purpose and avoids unnecessary repetition.