an overarching constraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overarching constraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or dominant limitation that affects a situation or decision-making process. Example: "In our project, an overarching constraint is the limited budget, which impacts all our planning and resource allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As Cleary and Mclntyre note, "even if a conclusion is reached that a particular strategy is deemed cost-beneficial… it does not follow that it is necessarily affordable, particularly given the extremely constrained health-care resources in many African countries [ 4]." An overarching constraint is the lack of political interest in preterm birth and stillbirth.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This paper proposes a novel control methodology to incorporate constraint handling within generalized iterative learning control (ILC), an overarching methodology which includes intermediate point and sub-interval tracking as special cases.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Create an overarching plot.

WikiHow

Or an overarching plot.

The Guardian

There is no effort to tell an overarching story.

The New York Times - Arts

Seasons three and four don't bother with an overarching structure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

People often referred to the country as "these United States" – separate entities without an overarching civilization.

The New York Times

The line arrives in the service of seduction, but functions as an overarching metaphor.

The New York Times - Arts

The long works create an overarching, protective space around a vulnerable huddle of sounds.

The New Yorker

London, unlike Beijing or the next Olympic host city, Rio de Janeiro, lacked an overarching geopolitical theme.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor does there seem much prospect as yet of an overarching peace settlement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overarching constraint" when you want to emphasize that a particular limitation is the most significant one affecting a situation. For example, "An overarching constraint in this project is the limited budget, which affects all our decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "an overarching constraint" when the limitation is just one of many equally important factors. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact. Make sure the constraint truly dominates the situation before labeling it as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overarching constraint" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and emphasizes a primary or dominant limitation. Ludwig examples show its application across various domains, signaling a significant obstacle or restriction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overarching constraint" is a phrase used to emphasize a primary limitation affecting a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various domains. While relatively infrequent, its use conveys a sense of significance, highlighting a key challenge. Alternatives like "primary limiting factor" or "dominant restriction" can be considered for variety. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase, reserving it for truly dominant constraints to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary limiting factor

Replaces "overarching constraint" with more direct synonyms for limitation and emphasizes the factor's importance.

dominant restriction

Substitutes "overarching" and "constraint" with synonyms that highlight the controlling and limiting nature of the factor.

chief impediment

Uses a more formal synonym for "constraint" and emphasizes the hindering effect of the limitation.

major limiting influence

Emphasizes the impact of the constraint on outcomes or decisions.

principal bottleneck

Employs a different metaphor to describe the constraint as a point of congestion or blockage.

fundamental limiting condition

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the limiting factor.

key prohibitive factor

Focuses on the hindering or preventing aspect of the constraint.

critical restriction

Emphasizes the importance and limiting nature of the constraint.

paramount limitation

Stresses the supreme or dominant nature of the limitation.

main inhibiting influence

Highlights the restraining or suppressing effect of the constraint.

FAQs

How can I use "an overarching constraint" in a sentence?

You can use "an overarching constraint" to describe a primary limitation or restriction. For example: "An overarching constraint is the lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to "an overarching constraint"?

Alternatives include phrases like "primary limiting factor", "dominant restriction", or "chief impediment", depending on the specific context.

Is "overarching" the same as "overriding" in this context?

While similar, "overarching" implies a broad, encompassing influence, whereas "overriding" suggests a force that cancels out other considerations. You might say "an overarching theme" but "an overriding concern".

Can "an overarching constraint" be positive?

While "constraint" usually has a negative connotation, "an overarching constraint" is generally used to describe a limitation or challenge. It's rarely used in a positive context. It will be better to use a word like "principle" or "value".