an overriding concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overriding concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a primary or dominant issue that takes precedence over others in a particular context. Example: "In the debate about climate change, an overriding concern is the impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And, naturally, typography is an overriding concern that is often ignored: "Good typography is a prerequisite for optimal legibility and demands a particular and considered approach to text.... Type can be austere or accessible, straight or rounded, emotive or exaggerated".

The New York Times - Books

As a result, efficiency has become an overriding concern.

The New York Times

In Ms. Joya's case, security will be an overriding concern.

The New York Times

But we have an overriding concern for the safety of our employees around the world.

The New York Times

Some nuclear advocates say that pure economics should not be an overriding concern.

The New York Times

Surveys indicate that the sputtering economy remains an overriding concern for California voters.

The New York Times

Soon loneliness became an overriding concern; she hadn't set out to recreate Thoreau's "Walden".

The New York Times - Arts

"Food security is an overriding concern in China, arguably even more important than access to industrial materials".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In an awards ceremony at the Museum of Modern Art yesterday, Mr. Bohm explained that he designs each of his buildings with an overriding concern that the new structure connect in as many ways as possible - in color, material, style, social function - with the existing architecture of the neighborhood.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the hazardous nature of the active materials limits the use of these cells in consumer applications, they are widely used in other markets where high-performance capability is an overriding concern.

Encyclopedia of Electrochemical Power Sources

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the student peace movement and many other groups of diverse moral and political persuasions — all apparently united by an overriding concern that the United States get out of Vietnam — converged upon Washington.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overriding concern" when you want to emphasize that something is more important than other considerations. This highlights its significance in the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "an overriding concern" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. It can make your text sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "primary concern" or "paramount consideration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overriding concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies the most significant issue or consideration within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overriding concern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts to emphasize the primary importance of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain impact and consider synonyms like "primary concern" or "paramount consideration" for variety. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, prioritizing safety, security, or ethics in a professional, academic, or everyday settings. With consistent usage across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering this phrase can enhance your clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary concern

Emphasizes the concern is of main importance.

a paramount concern

Highlights the concern as supreme or dominant.

a chief concern

Indicates the concern is the most important one.

a dominant concern

Stresses that the concern has controlling influence.

a foremost concern

Suggests the concern comes first in order of importance.

a central preoccupation

Shifts focus to a dominating thought or subject.

a key consideration

Highlights the concern as essential for decision-making.

a top priority

Emphasizes the concern is the most urgent to address.

a major priority

Indicates the concern is of great importance and must be dealt with promptly.

a significant worry

Underscores the concern is noteworthy and consequential.

FAQs

How can I use "an overriding concern" in a sentence?

You can use "an overriding concern" to highlight the most important issue in a given situation. For example, "During the project, "safety was an overriding concern"".

What are some alternatives to "an overriding concern"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary concern", "a paramount concern", or "a major priority" depending on the specific context. They all convey the idea of something being of utmost importance.

Is it correct to say "the overriding concern is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the overriding concern is". It's a common way to introduce the most important issue or consideration in a particular situation.

What's the difference between "an overriding concern" and "an important concern"?

"An overriding concern" emphasizes that the issue takes precedence over other considerations, while "an important concern" simply indicates that the issue is significant. The former highlights a dominance that the latter doesn't necessarily convey.