Take precedence means be more important, come first: safety takes precedence over speed. People say it about rules, tasks and documents: the written agreement takes precedence over verbal promises. It sounds official; in conversation it's simpler to say comes first.
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A takes precedence over B; take precedence in a decision
- Passenger safety takes precedence over saving a few minutes.
- During the move, urgent customer orders took precedence.
- The written agreement takes precedence over informal promises.
What changed
First versionAccuracy should take precedence than speed.
RevisionAccuracy should take precedence over speed.
The meaning is more important than, so than slips in. But precedence isn't a comparative adjective, it's a noun meaning priority, and the second item is introduced with over: take precedence over speed.
A precedent is an earlier case that guides future decisions: set a precedent. Precedence means priority. Comes first means the same as take precedence, just more casual: my family comes first.
Your turn
In this decision, safety takes precedence ___ convenience.
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over — Priority over something is take precedence over. Than is used after a comparative: more important than.
Write what matters more to you at work or in your studies: speed, quality or rest. Use take precedence over.
Clear instructions should take precedence over decorative design in a safety manual.
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