How to use "they are paramount"

What Does "they are paramount" Mean?

• What it expresses: degree (utmost importance)
• What part of the sentence it typically modifies: noun or noun phrase (functioning as the subject of the sentence).
• Register: formal

How to Use It

• Typical sentence positions: final (after the noun/pronoun it modifies). The structure is almost always "[Noun phrase] are paramount."
• What it modifies and how it changes the meaning of a sentence: It emphasizes the supreme importance of the noun phrase. For example, "Their needs are paramount" means that their needs are the most important thing to consider.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can be used with a variety of subjects (plural nouns, pronouns). It is not typically fronted or used in questions. Negation is possible but less common (e.g., "They are not paramount").
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using "they are paramount" to modify a verb directly sounds unnatural. Also, using it in informal contexts can seem overly formal.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from they are paramount on Ludwig.guru.

""They are paramount to our program," Michael J. Ambruster, orchestra director at the Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, said, referring to the music companies." — nytimes.com

"They contend cheap prices are paramount." — huffingtonpost.com

"Their needs are paramount." — theguardian.com

"Honesty and respect are paramount." — nytimes.com

"My children are paramount." — huffingtonpost.com

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/they+are+paramount

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
they are of utmost importance	A more verbose but equally formal alternative.
they are essential	Slightly less emphatic, but still conveys high importance.
they are crucial	Emphasizes the critical nature of the subject.
they are vital	Highlights the necessity for success or survival.
they are the highest priority	Focuses on ranking importance relative to other things.
they are key	Implies they unlock or are the solution to something.
they are all-important	A slightly more emphatic and direct alternative.

Common Mistakes

• Using "they are paramount" to modify a verb directly. It should modify a noun or noun phrase.
• Using "they are paramount" in informal contexts, which can sound overly formal or stilted.
• Learners often incorrectly use similar-sounding words like 'perimeter' or confuse it with related concepts such as priority or importance. Remember that paramount means supreme or of utmost importance, not simply important.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
they are paramount	Expresses the utmost importance or significance of something	Formal	After the noun/pronoun it modifies (final)

FAQs

Where should "they are paramount" appear in a sentence?

They are paramount typically appears at the end of the clause, following the subject (noun or pronoun) it modifies. For example, in the sentence "Their needs are paramount," the phrase appears after "their needs." This structure emphasizes the subject's supreme importance.

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How is "they are paramount" different from saying "they are very important"?

While both phrases indicate a high degree of importance, "they are paramount" suggests a higher level of significance than "they are very important." Paramount implies that something is of the utmost importance, possibly even the most important factor to consider. The phrase also carries a more formal tone.

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I sometimes confuse "paramount" with similar words. How can I avoid this?

It's crucial to remember that "paramount" specifically means supreme or of the highest importance. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like 'perimeter' or simply 'important'. Also, be mindful of the formal register of "they are paramount" and use it appropriately in your writing or speech.