It is very natural for a human being that one always give himself precedence over the interests of others.

Can sea-based trade take precedence over land-based trade in Algeria?

Tom set the precedence.

Whenever there is a conflict between my work and my family, my family always takes precedence.

The Canadian government’s guide to writing says that the role of punctuation is to clarify, and "this principle takes precedence over all precepts governing the use of individual marks of punctuation."