Language is a tricky beast. Sometimes we second-guess the words we use, especially when they sound right but raise eyebrows among grammar sticklers. One such phrase is “first priority.” You’ve probably heard it in boardrooms, strategy sessions, even casual chats with friends. Someone mentions, “This is our first priority,” and the phrase lands with a powerful punch. But is it correct English—or just a redundant expression that we’ve grown comfortable with?
In this article, we’ll unpack the grammar, history, cultural nuances, and real-world usage of “first priority.” We’ll look at why it’s so common in business, personal goal-setting, and everyday conversations, and whether linguists consider it acceptable.
Along the way, we’ll explore alternatives, synonyms, criticisms, and examples so you can decide when (and how) to use it in 2025 without sounding wrong.
What Does “First Priority” Mean in English Grammar?
At its core, a priority already implies something important—something that takes precedence over others. Adding the word “first” seems like doubling down. But in practice, “first priority” communicates urgency, focus, and clarity.
- Priority = something regarded as more important than others.
- First Priority = the single most important thing above all else.
This subtle emphasis explains why the phrase survives criticism. People use it to stress importance in conversations, business meetings, and planning sessions.
👉 Example:
- “Client satisfaction is our first priority this quarter.”
- “My family’s safety will always be my first priority.”
The Latin Roots: From Prioritas to Priority
The word priority traces back to Latin “prioritas”, meaning state of being earlier. Originally, it carried a sense of singularity—you could only have one. But over time, English evolved. By the 20th century, people began talking about multiple priorities, even though it technically contradicts the singular root.
| Word | Origin | Meaning | Modern Usage |
| Prioritas | Latin | State of being earlier | No plural sense |
| Priority | Middle English | Importance over others | Singular/Multiple |
| First Priority | Modern English | The topmost importance | Common but debated |
So while purists argue that “first priority” is redundant, usage has evolved to accept it as a way of elevating one concern above others.
Is “First Priority” Grammatically Redundant?
Yes—and no.
On one hand, it’s redundant because the word “priority” already implies first importance. Saying “first priority” feels like saying:
- “ATM machine” (Automated Teller Machine machine)
- “Free gift” (gifts are free by definition)
- “End result” (a result is always at the end)
On the other hand, redundancy isn’t always a sin. In speech and writing, repetition often reinforces meaning and adds rhythm.
👉 Example:
- Saying “My priority is safety” sounds precise.
- Saying “My first priority is safety” sounds stronger, more urgent, more emotive.
| Phrase | Criticism | Defense |
| First Priority | Redundant | Adds emphasis |
| Free Gift | Redundant | Marketing impact |
| End Result | Redundant | Clarifies finality |
So while grammarians may frown, real-world communication thrives on clarity and impact.
How Linguists Like Steven Pinker and Deborah Tannen See It
Modern linguists tend to view “first priority” through a descriptive lens rather than a prescriptive one.
- Steven Pinker (Cognitive Scientist) argues that language evolves with usage, not rigid rules. If enough people say “first priority,” it becomes accepted.
- Deborah Tannen (Georgetown University) highlights how repetition and emphasis play key roles in effective communication, especially in conversations where tone and intent matter more than strict grammar.
Their perspective? If the audience understands you clearly, the phrase works.
Everyday Usage: How People Actually Speak in Meetings & Chats
You’re in a team meeting. Someone says:
- “Finishing this project is our first priority.”
Nobody pauses to debate grammar. Everyone knows what they mean.
In casual chats with friends:
- “Getting tickets for the concert is my first priority right now.”
Again, it feels natural, even though it’s redundant on paper.
| Setting | Example | Tone |
| Business Meeting | “Reducing costs is our first priority.” | Professional |
| Family Chat | “My kids’ safety is my first priority.” | Emotional |
| Student Group | “Passing this exam is my first priority.” | Motivational |
👉 The reality: language lives in usage, not grammar books.
Business Settings: Corporate Mission Statements and Strategic Goals
In corporate communication, “first priority” is everywhere. Companies use it to highlight their main objectives in mission statements, reports, and speeches.
Example from corporate messaging:
- “Customer satisfaction is our first priority.”
- “Employee safety remains our first priority during crises.”
Why businesses like it:
- It sounds stronger than just “priority.”
- It creates a sense of urgency and commitment.
- It reassures stakeholders, clients, and employees.
| Sector | Common “First Priority” Phrase |
| Healthcare | “Patient care is our first priority.” |
| Tech | “Data security is our first priority.” |
| Retail | “Customer experience is our first priority.” |
| Government | “Public safety is our first priority.” |
In a fast-paced, competitive world, impactful phrases win attention.
Personal Goal-Setting: When “First Priority” Packs a Punch
In self-help books, productivity seminars, or even your own goal-setting sessions, the phrase “first priority” often surfaces.
Examples:
- “My health is my first priority this year.”
- “Saving for my kids’ education is my first priority.”
It works here because goals compete for attention. Adding “first” signals that this goal comes before all others.
👉 Without “first”: “Health is my priority.”
👉 With “first”: “Health is my first priority.” (stronger, clearer, focused)
| Situation | “Priority” | “First Priority” |
| Fitness | “Exercise is a priority.” | “Exercise is my first priority.” |
| Finance | “Budgeting is a priority.” | “Budgeting is my first priority.” |
| Career | “Growth is a priority.” | “Growth is my first priority.” |
It’s about emphasis and motivation.
Redundancy in Language: ATM Machines, Free Gifts, and More
Redundancy isn’t new. English is packed with phrases that, if you analyze them literally, don’t make sense—but people keep using them. Why? Because they sound natural, emphasize meaning, or clarify intent.
Examples of redundant phrases:
| Phrase | Why It’s Redundant | Why People Still Use It |
| ATM Machine | “M” already means machine | Habit + clarity |
| PIN Number | “N” means number | Reinforces meaning |
| Free Gift | Gifts are free | Marketing impact |
| End Result | A result is always at the end | Dramatic emphasis |
| Advance Warning | A warning is by nature advance | Safety/emphasis |
👉 “First priority” fits the same category. Technically unnecessary, but functionally powerful in everyday communication.
Clarity vs. Style: Does “First Priority” Strengthen or Weaken?
This is where the debate heats up.
- Against it (Clarity Purists): Adding “first” is unnecessary clutter. It weakens precision.
- For it (Stylistic Communicators): It emphasizes urgency and hierarchy, making the message more impactful.
Think of it like bolding text in an email. Do you need to? No. But sometimes it helps the reader grasp importance instantly.
👉 Example comparison:
- Neutral: “Our priority is safety.”
- Emphatic: “Our first priority is safety.”
The second has rhythm, weight, and a sense of finality.
Cultural Nuances: American vs. British Perspectives on Conciseness
Cultural tolerance for redundancy varies.
| Culture | Perspective | Example |
| American English | Emphasis > Conciseness | “Our first priority is innovation.” |
| British English | Conciseness > Emphasis | “Our priority is innovation.” |
| Global Business English | Mixed—depends on audience | “Priority” in reports, “first priority” in speeches |
In American workplaces, strong, emotive language is encouraged in leadership and motivational speech. In the UK, conciseness often feels more polished and professional.
👉 In global contexts, it’s wise to consider the audience before choosing.
Formal Writing vs. Casual Speech: Choosing the Right Tone
Formal writing (academic essays, legal documents, technical reports) often favors precision:
- “The priority of this policy is public safety.”
Casual speech or professional speeches lean toward expressiveness:
- “Public safety is our first priority.”
| Context | Preferred Form | Why |
| Academic Paper | Priority | Precision and formality |
| Crisis Briefing | First Priority | Emotional reassurance |
| Corporate Email | Priority (formal) | Conciseness |
| Motivational Speech | First Priority | Emphasis and rhythm |
👉 Rule of thumb: The more formal the setting, the less redundancy you need.
When Precision Matters: Legal, Military, and Emergency Contexts
There are cases where “first priority” carries life-and-death weight.
- Military Directives: “Civilian safety is our first priority.”
- FEMA Crisis Manuals: “Saving lives is the first priority in disaster response.”
- Healthcare Policies: “Patient care is our first priority.”
Here, redundancy is a feature, not a bug. It removes doubt, reinforces urgency, and provides absolute clarity.
| Sector | Phrase | Purpose |
| Emergency Services | “Life-saving is our first priority.” | Removes ambiguity |
| Healthcare | “Patient safety is our first priority.” | Reassurance |
| Military | “Civilian protection is our first priority.” | Clarity + focus |
👉 In high-stakes communication, emphasis outweighs grammar purity.
Examples from Corporate Emails, Strategy Docs, and Marketing Copy
Companies lean on “first priority” because it sounds powerful and reassuring.
📧 Corporate Email Example:
- “As we enter Q2, employee wellbeing remains our first priority.”
📄 Strategy Document Example:
- “Reducing carbon emissions is our first priority in this environmental initiative.”
📢 Marketing Copy Example:
- “Your satisfaction is our first priority.”
| Communication Type | Common Use of “First Priority” |
| Internal Emails | “Team safety is our first priority.” |
| Reports | “Reducing costs is our first priority.” |
| Ads | “Customer happiness is our first priority.” |
👉 Redundancy sells because it feels assuring, emotive, and strong.
Synonyms and Alternatives to “First Priority”
If you want to avoid redundancy but keep the impact, there are plenty of alternatives.
| Alternative | Tone | Example |
| Chief Concern | Formal | “Safety is our chief concern.” |
| Primary Focus | Professional | “Our primary focus is quality.” |
| Foremost Goal | Motivational | “Success is our foremost goal.” |
| Main Objective | Neutral | “Efficiency is our main objective.” |
| Principal Task | Formal | “This is our principal task.” |
| Supreme Concern | Elevated/poetic | “Justice is our supreme concern.” |
👉 Swap “first priority” for these depending on the tone, audience, and formality.
Case Study: Apple’s 2023 Environmental Progress Report
A real-world example: In Apple’s 2023 Environmental Progress Report, the company highlighted reducing carbon emissions in its supply chain as its “first priority.”
Why it worked:
- Reinforced urgency in climate action.
- Signaled corporate responsibility.
- Connected with stakeholders and global audiences.
| Company | Priority | Communication |
| Apple | Carbon reduction | Report: “Reducing emissions is our first priority.” |
| Red Cross | Humanitarian aid | “Saving lives is our first priority.” |
| Tech Firms | Cybersecurity | “Data safety is our first priority.” |
👉 Even global giants embrace redundancy when emphasis is more important than grammar purity.
The Emotional Weight of “First Priority” in Conversations
Words aren’t just technical—they carry emotional resonance. Saying “first priority” instead of “priority” often signals:
- Commitment: “You matter most.”
- Reassurance: “We’ve got your back.”
- Urgency: “This comes before everything else.”
👉 Example in personal life:
- “Your happiness is my first priority.” (sounds more heartfelt than just “priority”).
| Emotion | Plain “Priority” | Emphatic “First Priority” |
| Reassurance | “Your safety is my priority.” | “Your safety is my first priority.” |
| Leadership | “Growth is our priority.” | “Growth is our first priority.” |
| Motivation | “Passing is a priority.” | “Passing is my first priority.” |
👉 Emotionally, redundancy often feels warmer, stronger, and more human.
Common Criticism: Why Some Grammarians Dismiss It
Grammar sticklers argue that:
- Priority is inherently singular. You can’t have multiple “firsts.”
- It contradicts logic. If something is a priority, it’s already at the top.
- It encourages sloppy language. Redundancy creates inefficiency.
Critics like Lynne Truss (author of Eats, Shoots & Leaves) often urge writers to favor precision and avoid unnecessary fillers.
But here’s the twist: communication isn’t just about correctness—it’s about connection.
The Role of Context: Professional, Academic, and Informal Settings
The phrase “first priority” doesn’t wear the same outfit in every room. Its acceptability depends on context:
| Context | Acceptable? | Why |
| Professional Emails | Sometimes | Stronger tone, but can sound repetitive |
| Academic Essays | Rarely | Precision > emphasis |
| Informal Chats | Yes | Natural, emotive, casual |
| Boardrooms | Yes | Leadership tone & reassurance |
| Legal Documents | No | Ambiguity avoided in law |
👉 Rule: The more formal the audience, the less you should lean on redundancy.
Practical Tips for Using “First Priority” Without Sounding Wrong
Here’s how you can use it thoughtfully:
- ✅ Use it in speech when you want to sound passionate or reassuring.
- ✅ Use it in business strategy or motivational writing when you need emphasis.
- ❌ Avoid it in academic, legal, or highly technical writing.
- ✅ Replace with synonyms (primary focus, main objective, chief concern) in formal texts.
- ❌ Don’t overuse it. If everything is a “first priority,” then nothing is.
👉 Quick hack: Ask yourself, “Am I trying to emphasize urgency or just filling space?” If it’s the latter, drop “first.”
Real-World Examples: FEMA, Red Cross, and Crisis Communication
During emergencies, wording must eliminate doubt. FEMA and the Red Cross often use emphatic language like “first priority” in disaster response manuals.
Examples:
- FEMA: “Saving lives is our first priority in disaster response.”
- Red Cross: “Our first priority is to provide safe shelter.”
| Organization | Phrase | Reason |
| FEMA | “Saving lives is our first priority.” | Life-saving clarity |
| Red Cross | “Shelter is our first priority.” | Emotional reassurance |
| Hospitals | “Patient safety is our first priority.” | Trust-building |
👉 In high-stakes communication, clarity + emotion outweigh grammar.
Comparing Similar Redundant Phrases in English
“First priority” isn’t alone. It belongs to a family of redundancies that persist because they serve rhetorical purposes.
| Redundant Phrase | Why It’s Wrong | Why It Stays |
| “First Priority” | Priority is already first | Emphasis, urgency |
| “Close Proximity” | Proximity = closeness | Precision + rhythm |
| “Past History” | History = past | Clarifies timeframe |
| “True Fact” | Fact = true | Reinforces validity |
| “Final Outcome” | Outcome = final | Dramatic conclusion |
👉 Notice the pattern: redundancy reinforces meaning rather than changing it.
How to Communicate Urgency Without Redundancy
If you’re worried about grammar purists but still want to pack a punch, here are alternatives:
- “Our chief concern is…”
- “The primary focus is…”
- “This is our main objective…”
- “The foremost goal is…”
👉 These retain strength and clarity without being labeled redundant.
Expert Opinions: James Humes on Persuasion and Impact
James Humes, speechwriter for several U.S. presidents, famously said:
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”
Leaders often bend grammar rules for persuasion, rhythm, and impact. That’s why motivational speeches, campaign addresses, and crisis communications lean heavily on emphatic phrases like “first priority.”
It’s less about being grammatically flawless and more about being memorable.
Final Thoughts: Should You Say “First Priority” in 2025?
Here’s the verdict:
- Technically redundant.
- Functionally powerful.
- Context-dependent.
If you’re in an academic or legal setting, stick with “priority.” If you’re in business, personal goals, or motivational contexts, “first priority” can elevate your message and make it resonate.
👉 In other words, it’s not wrong—just nuanced. Use it with intention, not habit.
FAQs on “First Priority”
Q1. Is it grammatically correct to say “first priority”?
It’s redundant but widely accepted. Grammatically debatable, but context often makes it effective.
Q2. Why do people still use “first priority” if it’s redundant?
Because it emphasizes urgency, adds emotional weight, and sounds stronger in speech.
Q3. What are better alternatives to “first priority”?
Try “chief concern,” “primary focus,” “main objective,” or “foremost goal.”
Q4. Is “first priority” acceptable in academic writing?
No. Academic and legal contexts favor precision over emphasis. Stick to “priority.”
Q5. Do businesses use “first priority” in official communication?
Yes. Corporate mission statements, reports, and speeches often use it for reassurance and impact.
Conclusion
The phrase “first priority” lives in a gray zone between grammar and real-world communication. Purists call it redundant, but everyday speakers, corporate leaders, and emergency responders call it effective.
It clarifies urgency, reassures listeners, and adds emotional punch—even if it bends grammar logic. Like many “redundant but useful” phrases in English, it survives because it works.
So in 2025, the question isn’t whether you can say “first priority.” It’s whether you should—and that depends on your audience, tone, and purpose.
👉 Use it sparingly, strategically, and with confidence. After all, clarity and connection are the true priorities of communication.
