ability to override

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to override" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or power to change or disregard a decision, rule, or setting. Example: "The software has the ability to override user preferences in certain situations to ensure compliance with security protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He dies by his own hand, at the instruction of Ford, who had the ability to override Bernard's ability to override his programming all along.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it gives the oversight council the ability to override the agency's recommendations.

The New York Times

Mr Cameron argues that its ability to override local objections is undemocratic.

The Economist

It imposes legal constraints on companies' ability to override the interests of minority shareholders.

The Economist

This will give it the ability to override the upper house, in which the DPJ remains the largest party.

The Economist

At the same time, defense officials suggested that the urgency of their military mission required an ability to override environmental rules.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

When I visited Beijing recently, the architect Ole Scheeren said to me, "I think Beijing is incredibly strong in its ability to completely override its own history and yet not surrender its identity".

The New Yorker

And in North Carolina, Republicans may try to hash out the requirements of a new voter ID constitutional amendment before they lose their legislative supermajorities and their ability to unilaterally override vetoes by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

Huffington Post

What is often omitted is the ability of culture to override biological instincts or innate behaviors.

The New York Times - Science

We demonstrated the ability of AVP to override the negative effects of TNF on myogenic differentiation in vitro.

Plosone

The yeast strain JKM179, containing a deletion of both HML and HMR, was used to measure the ability of cells to override G2/M arrest in the presence of DNA damage (i.e., adaptation) as described previously (Lee et al. 1998).

Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ability to override", clearly specify what is being overridden and under what conditions. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "ability to override" is absolute. Instead, acknowledge any limitations or exceptions to this ability, such as specific contexts or higher authorities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to override" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to supersede or counteract something, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to override" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the capacity to supersede or counteract something. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is often used in technical, legal, and administrative contexts. While versatile, it's important to specify the scope and limitations of this ability for clarity. Alternatives like "power to counteract" or "authority to supersede" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Keep in mind, clear communication and context are key to effective writing!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power to counteract

Emphasizes the strength or authority to oppose and neutralize.

prerogative to veto

Points to an exclusive right or privilege to reject or prohibit.

authority to supersede

Highlights the official right to replace or overrule.

right to overturn

Implies the legal or moral entitlement to reverse a decision or outcome.

capacity to negate

Focuses on the power to nullify or cancel out an effect.

faculty to negate

Highlights innate skill or talent to nullify or cancel out an effect.

capability to invalidate

Stresses the potential to make something legally or officially void.

competence to countermand

Underlines the qualified ability to revoke or reverse an order.

option to disregard

Suggests the freedom to ignore or pay no attention to something.

scope to set aside

Indicates the latitude or opportunity to disregard.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to override" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to override" to describe the capacity to supersede a setting, rule, or decision. For example, "The administrator has the ability to override user settings."

What's a good alternative to "ability to override"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "power to counteract", "authority to supersede", or "capacity to negate".

What does it mean to have the "ability to override" something?

Having the "ability to override" means possessing the power or authority to counteract or negate a previous setting, rule, or decision. This is often used in technical, legal, or managerial contexts.

Which is more accurate: "ability to override" or "option to disregard"?

While both phrases suggest a capacity to bypass something, "ability to override" implies a more forceful intervention or direct control, whereas "option to disregard" suggests a choice not to consider something. The more accurate phrase depends on the specific context.