take precedence over
/teɪk ˈpresɪdəns ˈoʊvər/
Meaning
To be more important, urgent, or valuable than something else, requiring attention or action first. This expression is highly common in professional, academic, and formal decision-making contexts.
Examples
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Safety must always take precedence over speed when operating heavy machinery.
Safety must always take precedence over speed when operating heavy machinery.
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In times of crisis, emergency response takes precedence over routine administration.
In times of crisis, emergency response takes precedence over routine administration.
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Her family commitments usually take precedence over her career goals.
Her family commitments usually take precedence over her career goals.
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This urgent client request will have to take precedence over our scheduled meeting.
This urgent client request will have to take precedence over our scheduled meeting.
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Does the budget take precedence over the quality of the materials?
Does the budget take precedence over the quality of the materials?
Common Mistakes
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✗ Safety must take precedence on speed.
✓ Safety must take precedence over speed.
The correct preposition to use after 'precedence' is 'over', not 'on'.
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✗ The project has precedence than other tasks.
✓ The project takes precedence over other tasks.
Use the verb 'take' and the preposition 'over' instead of 'have' and 'than'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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At this stage, customer feedback must ___________ our personal opinions.
💡 Means to be more important than.
Show answer
take precedence over
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Your health should always ___________ your work.
💡 Three words starting with 't', 'p', and 'o'.
Show answer
take precedence over