overarching argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"overarching argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an overall argument, opinion, or point of view that encompasses all the other points or ideas expressed in a discussion. For example, "The author's overarching argument is that the situations in the two countries can only be compared on a superficial level, as their political and economic systems are quite different."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

GAZETTE: What's your overarching argument?

Harvard University

Other sections come and go without being incorporated into Curtis's overarching argument in a satisfying way.

The New Yorker

As its overarching argument, ADS departs entirely from the text of the Merger Agreement itself.

Harvard University

But the main thing that Blair is doing, I believe, is trying to establish a big overarching argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Magnus's overarching argument is that China still lacks the organizations and institutions that accept — indeed welcome — the risk-taking that holds the key to technological innovation.

The New York Times

Labour also needs to be present in the big, overarching argument about what Brexit would do to trade, investment and jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Yet such overarching arguments largely took a back seat to parochial issues and personal attacks in the few districts that remained competitive to the end.

The New York Times

In Stezaker's collages as in Höch's, images sidle up to and seduce one another, shying from overarching arguments or narratives.

The Guardian - Arts

In risk governance, ambiguity plays an important role because plural knowledge and value inputs are difficult to reconcile, and overarching arguments, which might lead to a consensus, are hard to find or to approve by all parties.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

This brief overview of the overarching arguments in the debate demonstrates that proponents and critics alike are predominantly focused on determining whether the SUPPORT trial presented "reasonably foreseeable risks" to enrolled infants, pursuant to a section of U.S. regulation on human participants research, known as the Common Rule (45 CFR 46.116(a)(2)).

Johns Hopkins University

That speech did more than articulate the conservative philosophy of governance; it was a declaration of ideological victory … … [A similarly] overarching philosophical argument was at the center of the 2012 election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overarching argument" to clearly signal the main point you want your audience to remember, ensuring that supporting details effectively reinforce it.

Common error

Avoid using "overarching argument" when referring to minor points or supporting details. Ensure the argument genuinely encompasses the entire scope of the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overarching argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the primary, all-encompassing claim or thesis being presented. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overarching argument" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that signifies the main, all-encompassing claim or thesis in a discussion or piece of writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. It is frequently found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While "central thesis", "main contention", and "primary claim" can serve as alternatives, "overarching argument" is particularly useful for emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the central point. When using this phrase, ensure that the argument truly encompasses the entire scope of the discussion to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Central thesis

Focuses on the core claim being made.

Main contention

Emphasizes the debatable nature of the argument.

Primary claim

Highlights the initial and most important assertion.

Underlying premise

Stresses the foundational assumption upon which the argument is built.

Dominant theme

Shifts focus from a formal argument to a recurring idea.

Core reasoning

Highlights the essential logic behind a statement.

Key assertion

Emphasizes the confident declaration of a fact or belief.

Overriding principle

Focuses on the most important rule that guides the reasoning.

General concept

Emphasizes the broad idea, that serves as framework.

Principal idea

Highlights the most important concept.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "overarching argument" in a sentence?

Use "overarching argument" to introduce the main, unifying idea that your text or speech revolves around. For example, "The "overarching argument" of this study is that early intervention significantly improves long-term outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "overarching argument"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "central thesis", "main contention", or "primary claim" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "overarching argument" in informal writing?

While "overarching argument" is suitable for formal and academic contexts, simpler terms like "main point" or "key idea" might be more appropriate for informal writing.

What's the difference between "overarching argument" and "supporting argument"?

The ""overarching argument"" is the central, all-encompassing point, while "supporting arguments" are individual reasons or pieces of evidence used to strengthen and validate the main argument.