You’re typing an email and write: “This project is my first priority.” Then you stop. If something’s already a priority, isn’t calling it “first” redundant? Should you just say “priority” instead?

This confusion trips up countless writers. The good news? “First priority” is completely correct and used widely in American English.

Short Answer! Yes, “First Priority” Is Grammatically Correct

“First priority” is grammatically sound and accepted across formal and informal contexts. The phrase appears in business communications, emergency services protocols, and everyday conversation throughout the United States.

The word “first” isn’t redundant here—it serves a specific purpose. While “priority” indicates importance, adding “first” establishes rank within a hierarchy of tasks. According to theCorpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), “first priority” appears thousands of times in professional writing.

Think of it this way: saying “This is my priority” suggests general importance. Saying “This is my first priority” tells people exactly where it ranks among competing tasks.

Why “First Priority” Works in English

The phrase combines two elements that work together perfectly. “Priority” comes from the Latin word “prior,” meaning “first” or “earlier.” Some argue this makes “first priority” repetitive.

But here’s the thing: English speakers don’t treat “priority” as meaning “first thing” anymore. We use it to mean “something important.” The word evolved beyond its Latin roots.

When you have multiple important tasks, you need a way to rank them. That’s where ordinal numbers like “first,” “second,” and “third” come in. They create a clear hierarchy.

Real-world examples show how this works:

• In business meetings: “Customer satisfaction is our first priority, followed by cost reduction.”
• In emergency response: “The first priority is securing the scene, then treating injuries.”
• In project management: “Our first priority this quarter is launching the new website.”

Each example involves multiple priorities ranked in order. Simply saying “priority” wouldn’t communicate the same urgency or sequence.

Common Alternatives to “First Priority” (And When to Use Them)

Varying your vocabulary keeps writing fresh and engaging. Here are eight strong alternatives to “first priority,” each with slightly different connotations.

• Top priority works identically to “first priority” but sounds slightly less formal: “Meeting the deadline is our top priority.”
  
• Main priority suggests a primary focus without numbering: “My main priority today is finishing the presentation.”
  
• Primary concern fits formal writing and emphasizes worry or attention: “Safety is our primary concern during construction.”
  
• Priority number one adds emphasis through repetition: “Quality control is priority number one—nothing else matters.”
  
• Most important task states importance directly: “This is the most important task on your list.”
  
• Key focus suggests concentrated attention: “Employee retention is our key focus this year.”
  
• Chief concern works well in leadership contexts: “The CEO’s chief concern is maintaining market share.”
  
• Principal objective fits academic and strategic planning: “Our principal objective is increasing enrollment by 15%.”

Choose “first priority” when you’re explicitly ranking items or need maximum clarity. The phrase works best in lists, action plans, and situations requiring clear sequencing.

Examples of “First Priority” Used Correctly in Sentences

Here are real-world examples showing proper usage across different contexts:

Workplace scenarios: “Making this deadline is my first priority this week.” “Is employee well-being your first priority or just something you mention?”

Project management: “The team’s first priority should be data accuracy before speed.” “What’s your first priority when starting a new project?”

Customer service: “Resolving your issue is our first priority—let me escalate this immediately.” “The company states that customer satisfaction is their first priority.”

Healthcare settings: “The patient’s first priority is pain management, then physical therapy.” “In triage, stopping severe bleeding becomes the first priority.”

Personal development: “My first priority this year is improving my communication skills.” “Financial stability should be everyone’s first priority before investing.”

Notice how each sentence involves ranking or sequencing. The phrase clarifies what comes before everything else, making communication more precise and actionable.

FAQ Section

What does first priority mean?

“First priority” refers to the most important task or objective in a ranked list of concerns. It indicates something that should receive attention and resources before anything else. For example: “Getting this contract signed is my first priority today.”

How do you say first priority?

In American English, pronounce it as “furst pry-OR-ih-tee.” The stress falls on the second syllable of “priority.” You can also use alternatives like “top priority,” “main concern,” or “primary focus” depending on context.

What is a good sentence for priority?

“My priority is completing this report before the meeting.” Other examples include: “We need to establish clear priorities for next month,” “Health should be everyone’s top priority,” and “The manager asked us to prioritize urgent requests first.”

Conclusion

“First priority” is correct, widely used, and perfectly acceptable in American English. The phrase clarifies ranking and adds emphasis that “priority” alone cannot provide.

Use it confidently in professional emails, presentations, and everyday conversation. When you need to show what matters most among competing tasks, “first priority” delivers clarity that alternatives sometimes miss.

The redundancy concern? It’s more theoretical than practical. Communication clarity beats etymological purity every time.