an overarching theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overarching theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comprehensive or all-encompassing explanation or framework that connects various concepts or phenomena. Example: "The researcher proposed an overarching theory that integrates multiple disciplines to explain the observed behaviors in the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This is because evolution operates as an overarching theory.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Thus, while providing important steps toward an overarching theory of parietal function, even these innovative studies are silent on how multiple behavioral domains relate to each other within the parietal cortex (Ciaramelli et al. 2008; Hutchinson et al. 2009; Hutchinson et al. 2014).

Cerebral Cortex

Another patient, Bill, has an overarching theory about holiday funk.

The New York Times - Health

The shortlist, he said, has been assembled with no regard to an overarching theory of literary merit.

The Guardian - Books

A central goal of physics has been to combine relativity theory and quantum theory into an overarching "theory of everything" describing all physical phenomena.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like Mr Kennedy's epic, Mr Morris's "Why the West Rules For Now" uses history and an overarching theory to address the anxieties of the present.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Can the various natural sciences (physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology) be unified into a single overarching theory, and can theories within a single science (e.g., general relativity and quantum theory in physics) be unified?

SEP

Yet he's not sure if there's a single overarching theory to understand these effects.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Milton Friedman — he was a macro theorist, but he was less driven by theory and by the desire to construct a single overarching theory than by attempting to answer empirical questions.

The New Yorker

Were we seeking a broad overarching theory of evo devo that would apply to all animal life or differences that characterized grades of biological organization kingdoms, phyla, classes, even individual species.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Google should develop an overarching privacy theory that is as bold as its mission to make the world's information accessible -- one that can become a model for the online world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overarching theory", ensure it genuinely integrates diverse elements into a cohesive whole. Avoid applying it to loosely related concepts.

Common error

Avoid claiming a theory is "an overarching theory" if it only addresses a limited scope or a few specific aspects of a subject. Ensure the theory truly provides a comprehensive explanation or framework.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overarching theory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a comprehensive explanation or framework that seeks to unify diverse elements or phenomena. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overarching theory" is a noun phrase used to describe a comprehensive and unifying explanation or framework. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts like science, news, and academia. While not exceedingly common, it plays a crucial role in academic and scientific discourse, emphasizing the integration of diverse elements into a cohesive whole. When using this phrase, ensure it truly reflects a broad and encompassing perspective, avoiding its application to limited or loosely connected concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A comprehensive framework

Focuses on completeness and inclusivity rather than the unifying aspect.

A unifying principle

Emphasizes the core belief or idea that brings disparate elements together.

A grand unifying theory

Implies a theory that explains all phenomena, often used in physics or cosmology.

A broad conceptual framework

Highlights the expansive and abstract nature of the theoretical structure.

A holistic approach

Stresses the interconnectedness and interdependence of the elements.

A comprehensive model

Highlights the creation of a framework used for representation and understanding.

A master narrative

Implies a dominant or prevailing story that explains a particular phenomenon or historical period.

A general theory

Focuses on the broad applicability and scope of the theory.

A systemic perspective

Highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of elements within a system.

An all-encompassing explanation

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the explanation, leaving no aspect uncovered.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overarching theory" to describe a comprehensive framework that explains various phenomena. For example, "The scientist developed an overarching theory to explain the universe."

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

You can use alternatives like "a comprehensive framework", "a unifying principle", or "a grand unifying theory" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an overarching theory" or "a overarching theory"?

"An overarching theory" is correct because "overarching" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, the article "an" is appropriate.

What's the difference between "an overarching theory" and "a specific theory"?

"An overarching theory" describes a broad, comprehensive explanation, while "a specific theory" addresses a narrow, particular aspect of a subject.