an overarching concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overarching concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad idea or principle that encompasses various specific elements or themes. Example: "The overarching concept of sustainability is crucial in addressing climate change and environmental issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The recasting of a commercial district requires an overarching concept -- a High Concept -- toward which the district's individual elements should rise.

The New York Times - Arts

Checkpoint Charlie will doubtless become part of a Gesamtkonzept, an overarching concept of commemoration of which German officials are particularly fond.

The Economist

'Business transformation' is an overarching concept encompassing a range of competitive strategies which organisations adopt in order to bring about significant improvements in business performance.

International Journal of Information Management

The results suggest that the reliability of the measurement scales is satisfactory to good, and that they are indicative of an overarching concept of travel satisfaction.

Transport Policy

Sustainable Chemistry is an overarching concept encompassing the design, manufacture and use of efficient, effective, safe and more environmentally benign chemical products and processes.

Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy

IF there is an overarching concept for Art Basel Miami Beach, the annual art fair that in less than a decade has evolved into a critical fixture on the international art circuit, it is gridlock.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Somewhat unusually, the works have been selected for their individual qualities rather than to illustrate any overarching concept or idea.

The New York Times

To use Isaiah Berlin's terminology, Mr. Bolaño is a hedgehog masquerading as a fox: though his interests seem to range all over the map and throughout time, dark subterranean currents unite them in a single overarching concept.

The New York Times - Books

"Have a big overarching concept to begin with and let your personality come through". McDermott took that to heart when working on a she shed for Ana Machado, who works in financial services in her school district in Oceanside.

Los Angeles Times

Created from this is a unifying overarching concept to explain why multiple approaches to cancer therapy can provide complete responses at almost equivalent rates.

Cancer Management and Research

The property of inheritance allows the computer to process, for example, that the concepts used to annotate two respective sequences are both 'children' of the same meta-concepts (i.e. they are a kind or part of a the same overarching concept; alternatively, members of the came class) (Lord et al. 2003).

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overarching concept" to provide context and structure, but don't let it stifle creativity or exploration of nuances. A framework should guide, not constrain.

Common error

Avoid applying "an overarching concept" too broadly, as it can lead to vagueness and a loss of specific meaning. Ensure that supporting details directly relate to and reinforce the central idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overarching concept" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a broad, comprehensive idea that encompasses various elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and describes it as an idea toward other elements should rise. The examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overarching concept" is a commonly used phrase to denote a comprehensive or unifying idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Its primary function is to establish a framework for understanding or interpreting information. While versatile, it's important to avoid overstretching the concept to maintain clarity and relevance. Alternatives like ""a unifying principle"" or "a central theme" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Always ensure supporting details clearly relate to and reinforce the "an overarching concept" to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unifying principle

Emphasizes the ability to bring different elements together into a cohesive whole.

a central theme

Highlights the main subject or idea that recurs throughout a work or discussion.

a comprehensive framework

Suggests a structured approach that covers all relevant aspects of a topic.

a guiding idea

Implies a leading principle that directs actions or thoughts.

a dominant paradigm

Refers to a prevailing model or perspective within a specific field.

a core belief

Highlights a fundamental conviction that shapes someone's understanding or behavior.

a foundational principle

Focuses on a basic tenet that serves as the basis for further development.

a grand narrative

Suggests a broad, overarching story that explains historical or cultural phenomena.

a macro-level concept

Indicates a perspective that considers the larger, more general view.

a holistic approach

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of various elements and the importance of considering the whole.

FAQs

How is "an overarching concept" typically used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "an overarching concept" is used to introduce a primary theoretical framework, a central theme, or a unifying idea that governs the study or analysis. It provides context and direction for the research and helps readers understand the main focus. For example, using "a unifying principle" as lens.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "an overarching concept"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""a unifying principle"", "a central theme", "a comprehensive framework", or "a guiding idea" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is it better to use "overarching concept" or "overall concept"?

"Overarching concept" implies a more encompassing and dominant idea that governs various sub-elements, while "overall concept" simply refers to the general or main idea. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the concept or just its general relevance.

Can "an overarching concept" be too broad, and how can I avoid this?

Yes, it can be too broad if it doesn't effectively connect the specific elements it's meant to unify. To avoid this, ensure the concept is clearly defined, and each supporting detail is directly related and contributes to the overarching idea. Using "a foundational principle" or a specific methodology could help refine the concept.