an overriding order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overriding order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a command or directive takes precedence over others. Example: "In the event of a conflict, the manager's decision will serve as an overriding order that must be followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That redeployment was well in progress when, soon after midday on November 3, an overriding order came from Hitler, insisting that el-Alamein must be held at all costs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

From her parents, she says, she inherited "an appreciation of beautiful things, and the ability to observe", but also – in opposition – "an overriding need for neatness and order at home, and for punctuality.

The Guardian - Film

The power relations that underpin stigma comes into bold relief when consideration is given to any society that is guided by the majoritarian principle and, most especially, in African societies where the social organization is communal, and a group's norm is given an overriding importance or priority in order to maintain the cohesion, solidarity and harmony of the group.

BMC Medical Ethics

But within the federal and feudal structure he thought established authority had an overriding right and duty to impose order, and he had little interest in procedures of representation or theories of the popular will.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Increased efficiency is an overriding need for the National Health Service in order to improve the rationalization of resources.

BMC Health Services Research

"We must now give an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in our individual societies.

Huffington Post

Dr. Anderson said the burst of activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area that manages higher-order cognitive skills like planning, could represent an overriding mechanism, in which the hippocampus is prevented from dredging up unwanted memories.

The New York Times

An overall lack of confidence is an overriding factor in all this.

Forbes

In western society, 'respectability' is no longer such an overriding concern for older women.

BBC

Accuracy is an overriding goal there.

The New York Times - Science

There was an overriding sense of horror.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overriding order", ensure the context clearly establishes the source and scope of the order's authority. This helps avoid ambiguity about who issued the order and what it affects.

Common error

Avoid using "an overriding order" when a simpler term like "instruction" or "directive" suffices. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact when a truly critical command needs to be emphasized.

Linguistic Context

An overriding order functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, specifying a type of command or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. The examples show the phrase designating instructions with higher priority.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overriding order" signifies a command that takes precedence over other instructions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and appropriate for professional settings, it is relatively rare in common usage. The phrase serves to emphasize the authority and compulsory nature of a directive, and related phrases like "a mandatory directive" or "a superior instruction" can provide alternative ways to express this concept. When employing this phrase, it's vital to ensure clarity in the command's source and scope to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mandatory directive

Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the order, focusing on its obligatory aspect.

a peremptory command

Highlights the commanding and decisive nature of the order, suggesting no room for debate.

a superior instruction

Indicates that the order comes from a higher authority and must be followed accordingly.

a prevailing decree

Stresses the dominance and widespread effect of the order, showing its influence.

an imperative mandate

Focuses on the crucial and urgent nature of the order, emphasizing its importance.

a conclusive ruling

Highlights the finality and decisiveness of the order, indicating no further action is needed.

a top priority directive

Emphasizes the importance of the order, placing it as the most urgent task.

a primary command

Indicates the order is one of the most important, if not the most important, commands.

a high-level instruction

Highlights the authority from which the order originates.

a critical direction

Focuses on the importance and potential impact of the order.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overriding order" to describe a command that takes precedence over other considerations or instructions. For instance, "Despite the initial plan, we received "an overriding order" to change course."

What phrases are similar to "an overriding order"?

Similar phrases include "a mandatory directive", "a superior instruction", or "a prevailing decree", each emphasizing different aspects of the command's authority.

When is it appropriate to use "an overriding order" instead of a simpler term?

Use "an overriding order" when you want to emphasize that the command is not just another instruction, but one that supersedes previous directives or standard procedures. It's suitable when the situation requires immediate and unquestionable compliance.

What's the difference between "an overriding order" and "a suggestion"?

"An overriding order" implies a mandatory action with authority, whereas "a suggestion" is a non-compulsory piece of advice. They differ significantly in their level of enforcement and the expected response.