an overriding consideration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overriding consideration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a factor that takes precedence over others in decision-making or evaluation. Example: "In this case, safety is an overriding consideration that must guide our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Future of Human Spaceflight NEAR-TERM -- The board supports return to flight for the space shuttle at the earliest date consistent with an overriding consideration: safety.

The New York Times

We want to make it clearer that ethnic matching should not automatically be an overriding consideration in the matching process," a No 10 spokeswoman said.

The Guardian

We want to make it clearer that ethnic matching should not automatically be an overriding consideration in the matching process," a Number 10 spokeswoman said.

Independent

This will likely lead to accounting rule changes, such as this one, becoming an overriding consideration in corporate decision making.

Forbes

Though occasionally helpful, formal cost-effectiveness is seldom an overriding consideration[ 25].

BMC Health Services Research

An overriding consideration in compiling this review is the urgent need to identify novel targets for the development of antifungal agents that are broad-spectrum in terms of the diseases they control, but fungi-specific.

Fungal Genetics and Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But if you own a PlayStation 3, the overriding consideration has to be that God of War III, also known as the third major installment in the series that Inferno tries to ape so slavishly, is scheduled to be released next month.

The New York Times - Arts

Price can be a factor in any purchase, but it shouldn't be the overriding consideration when purchasing a toddler bed.

WikiHow

Furthermore, according to the current orthodoxy, prevalent especially in the law, Substituted Judgment is the preferred solution for formerly competent patients because it promises to preserve respect for autonomy as an overriding moral consideration trumping concerns with beneficence.

SEP

In making this selection, the overriding consideration must be for a DJ who is capable of complementing every other aspect of the wedding to bring out an event that will be talked about for many years and remain etched in the hearts and minds of the guests and wedding couple.

WikiHow

"The overriding consideration is that this is a real tool for economic development for our community," Mr. DePriest said.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overriding consideration" to emphasize the importance of a single factor in decision-making, especially when multiple factors are present. Avoid using it when only one factor exists.

Common error

Avoid using "an overriding consideration" when the context already implies that a factor is paramount. For example, in emergency situations, stating that safety is "an overriding consideration" might be redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overriding consideration" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a factor of utmost importance. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a factor that takes precedence. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts such as safety, ethical choices and design.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overriding consideration" is a phrase used to denote a factor that is of utmost importance and takes precedence over other factors in a given situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts like news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While it's crucial to use it accurately to highlight the most important aspect, it is recommended that you avoid redundant usage when the importance is already implied. Alternatives such as "a primary consideration" or "a paramount consideration" can also be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a paramount consideration

Replaces "overriding" with "paramount", emphasizing the supreme importance of the consideration.

a primary consideration

Substitutes "overriding" with "primary", highlighting that the consideration is of first importance.

a key consideration

Uses "key" instead of "overriding", denoting a crucial or essential aspect.

a central consideration

Replaces "overriding" with "central", indicating that the consideration is fundamental.

a dominant consideration

Substitutes "overriding" with "dominant", suggesting that the consideration has the most influence.

the most important consideration

Expresses the same meaning more explicitly by stating the consideration's high level of importance.

a crucial factor

Replaces "consideration" with "factor", slightly shifting the focus to an element that contributes to a result.

a critical element

Similar to "a crucial factor", but emphasizes that the aspect is vital and indispensable.

a top priority

Shifts the phrase to highlight the urgency and order of importance.

the main concern

Focuses on the idea that something is the principal source of worry or attention.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an overriding consideration" in a sentence?

Use "an overriding consideration" to emphasize the most important factor when making a decision or evaluating a situation. For example, "When designing the bridge, safety was "the overriding consideration"".

What are some alternatives to "an overriding consideration"?

You can use alternatives such as "a primary concern", "a key factor", or "a paramount consideration" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an overriding consideration" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an overriding consideration" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, simpler alternatives like "main thing to consider" may be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "an overriding consideration" from "an important consideration"?

"An overriding consideration" implies that the factor is not just important but takes precedence over all other considerations. It's more critical than simply "an important consideration".