an overriding issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overriding issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or concern that takes precedence over others in a discussion or situation. Example: "In the meeting, we realized that the budget constraints were an overriding issue that affected all our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

First, that for audiences, the size of the BBC is not an overriding issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the complex First District has an idiosyncratic history, and the environment is an overriding issue here.

The New York Times

Lacking the economy as an overriding issue, Mr. Kerry is putting more stress on his specific proposals, which are radically different from his opponent's.

The New York Times

The Panamera Turbo is a brilliant example of the kind of ultra-high-performance sedan a sports car company can build when cost control is not an overriding issue.

The New York Times

"When there was an overriding issue or event, the blog was a locus and a magnet, attracting tens of thousands of readers" to a particular post, she said, "with the Deepwater Horizon spill as a great example".

The New York Times

When control of Congress is not an overriding issue, lawmakers can turn from an election to policy making without life-and-death political considerations looming over every issue and every decision.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

These are related and interlocked problems that boil down to a single overriding issue, namely the ability of people in the financial industry, and especially at the largest institutions, to take and hide excessive, unnecessary risk that benefits them and harms the public.

The New Yorker

"Education is one of those issues that fills a vacuum," Mr. Newport said, something for the voters and the candidates to talk about in a year when no overriding issue like the economy or international tensions is dominating the debate.

The New York Times

The performance of an aircraft must address the overriding issue of safety, as well as mission or performance efficiencies, economics, and environmental objectives.

European Transport Research Review

If 47 million Americans are uninsured, this means that over 250 million are insured, and therefore the plight of the uninsured, while a matter of vital social concern, is not an overriding daily issue for the vast majority of Americans.

Huffington Post

For a long time it was the overriding issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an overriding issue", ensure that it's followed by a clear explanation of why it takes precedence. This provides context and prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "an overriding issue" for minor concerns or issues that don't genuinely outweigh other factors. Save it for truly critical matters to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overriding issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most significant problem or consideration, as supported by Ludwig examples indicating its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an overriding issue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight a factor of paramount importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While the phrase effectively emphasizes significance, it's crucial to use it judiciously and provide clear context to justify its prominence. Consider alternatives like "a primary concern" or "a key consideration" for nuanced emphasis. This ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a paramount issue

Emphasizes the supreme importance.

a primary concern

Focuses on the aspect of worry or importance.

the main priority

Emphasizes the order of importance.

the most pressing matter

Highlights the urgency of the situation.

a key consideration

Highlights the necessity of taking something into account.

a crucial element

Underscores the essential nature of something.

a critical factor

Stresses the decisive role of something.

a central question

Highlights the focus being a query or problem.

a dominant theme

Indicates a recurring and significant element.

the biggest problem

Focuses specifically on the negative aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overriding issue" to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation, such as: "The budget constraints were "an overriding issue" that affected all our plans."

What are some alternatives to "an overriding issue"?

Some alternatives include "a primary concern", "a key consideration", or "the main priority", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an overriding issue"?

It's appropriate to use "an overriding issue" when you need to highlight a single factor that is more significant than any other consideration in a given situation or discussion.

How does "an overriding issue" differ from "an important issue"?

"An overriding issue" suggests that the issue in question is not just important, but that it supersedes or takes precedence over all other issues. It implies a higher level of significance than simply "an important issue".