an overarching premise

USAGE SUMMARY

"an overarching premise" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to describe a central theme or idea which is shared by multiple, related elements or components. For example, one overarching premise of the story is the power of hope in the face of adversity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Thinking purely social without an overarching premise is ironically solitary, and surely the fastest way to the back of the app store.

TechCrunch

Functionally, it has the consistency of a sitcom — he is always the divorced father of two daughters and works as a comedian — but its stories, which may last more than a single episode, or less than a single episode, are discrete and self-sufficient; each stands on its own as a short story, a little art film, without the need of an overarching premise.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If we reduce the communeedtoon of exisearchally important questions to the level ofordvertheements, we encloverarchinges in a small dimension and become unable to deal with the compremise of the premise.

Vice

Or an overarching plot.

The Guardian

Create an overarching plot.

WikiHow

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

Mr. Perkins's value tilt flows from an overarching, cautious philosophy.

The New York Times

Their very ubiquity is a metaphor for an overarching reality linking the earthly and the divine.

The New York Times - Arts

It will be akin to New York University's core campus, but with an overarching design.

The New York Times

But after four episodes, the producers realized they had an overarching story.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overarching premise", ensure the relationship between the premise and the elements it governs is clear. Explicitly state how the premise influences or connects the related aspects.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "an overarching premise" completely dictates all outcomes or aspects. Acknowledge that other factors may also play a significant role, and avoid presenting the premise as the sole determinant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overarching premise" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a primary assumption, idea, or foundation upon which an argument, theory, or narrative is constructed. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing a central theme.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overarching premise" is a noun phrase used to denote a central and foundational idea. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable. Though relatively rare, its appearance in news, scientific, and academic contexts suggests a formal and considered tone. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure clarity in the premise's influence and avoid overstating its sole impact. Related phrases such as "a central tenet" or "a fundamental principle" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central tenet

Replaces "overarching premise" with a focus on a core belief or principle, often in a philosophical or ideological context.

a fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the idea, suggesting it's a basic building block.

a core concept

Highlights the idea's importance as a key element for understanding something.

a guiding principle

Suggests the idea serves as a direction or rule for behavior or thought.

a unifying theme

Focuses on the idea's role in bringing different elements together into a cohesive whole.

a dominant ideology

Shifts the focus to a prevailing system of beliefs that shapes societal norms and values.

a main assumption

Underscores that the idea is taken as a given, often without explicit proof.

a primary consideration

Highlights the importance of the idea as a key factor to take into account.

a key motivation

Suggests the idea serves as the underlying reason or drive behind an action or decision.

a central hypothesis

Replaces premise with hypothesis, used for scientific contexts and theories.

FAQs

How to use "an overarching premise" in a sentence?

You can use "an overarching premise" to introduce a central theme or idea that governs various aspects of a discussion, argument, or narrative. For instance, "An overarching premise of the study is that early intervention leads to better outcomes."

What can I say instead of "an overarching premise"?

You can use alternatives like "a central tenet", "a fundamental principle", or "a guiding principle" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "an overarching premise" and "a central theme"?

"An overarching premise" implies a foundational assumption or idea upon which something is based, while "a central theme" refers to a recurring idea or message. The premise is often implicit, while the theme is more explicitly presented.

Is it better to have "an overarching premise" or multiple premises?

Having "an overarching premise" provides a clear and unified focus, whereas multiple premises might introduce complexity and require more nuanced arguments. The choice depends on the subject matter and the desired level of detail.