overarching design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overarching design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a comprehensive or all-encompassing design that integrates various elements or aspects of a project or concept. Example: "The overarching design of the new urban development project aims to create a cohesive community that balances residential, commercial, and recreational spaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The overarching design was also familiar.

The New Yorker

It will be akin to New York University's core campus, but with an overarching design.

The New York Times

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has criticised government departments for their inconsistent handling of complaints, stating that they are "operating without any overarching design, overall standards or a common performance framework", meaning that "opportunities to improve public services through complaint handling are being missed".

The Guardian

So although the TL has carbon-fiber-look inserts and metal trim on the dash, these seem like de rigueur additions of the day rather than part of an overarching design logic for this vehicle.

Forbes

According to [1], "the cloud demands obedience to [its] overarching design goals", and "failing to keep the broader principles in mind" leads to a disconnection of cloud computing research from real world computing clouds.

Journal of Cloud Computing: Advances, Systems and Applications

For example, if traditional government regulation is too blunt and unresponsive to local circumstances, Ostrom has proposed "limited-purpose governmental enterprises" that let participants work out the rules themselves, subject to certain overarching design principles (clear boundaries to the commons, participation by everyone affected, monitoring, etc).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In what follows, we describe why EPIS was selected and illustrate how the model served to guide (a) the overarching study design, (b) the mapping of implementation strategies across the study periods to EPIS stages, (c) the articulation of research questions, and (d) the selection and timing of measurement protocols.

Health & Justice

It shows that successfully introducing PMR interventions requires that attention be paid not just to the overarching programme design but also to the features of the resource team, user organisation and their relationships, which are also important influences over effective programme implementation.

BMC Health Services Research

But there is no overarching plan.

The Guardian - Sport

Regularly reflect on your overarching purpose.

The New York Times - Health

It is not "irrational", but it contains no overarching pattern.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex systems or projects, use "overarching design" to clearly convey the presence of a unified and comprehensive plan guiding its development. This helps in emphasizing the overall coherence and intentionality of the system.

Common error

Avoid using "overarching design" when you are only referring to superficial or cosmetic aspects of a project. The term implies a deeper, more fundamental structural plan, not just aesthetic choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overarching design" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a comprehensive and encompassing plan or framework that guides a particular project, system, or concept. Ludwig confirms this with multiple examples where the phrase indicates a primary design principle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overarching design" is a noun phrase used to describe a comprehensive and unified plan or framework. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and its prevalence in neutral to formal contexts, such as news, science, and academic writing. While the phrase is not overly common, it is valuable for emphasizing the intentional coherence of a project or system. It’s important to use it accurately, focusing on fundamental structure rather than surface-level details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holistic design

Focuses on the interconnectedness of elements within the design.

comprehensive design

Emphasizes the thorough and complete nature of the design.

overall strategy

Shifts the focus to the strategic aspect of the design.

master plan

Suggests a detailed and long-term design.

grand scheme

Implies a large-scale and ambitious design.

unified framework

Highlights the cohesive and integrated nature of the design.

integrated approach

Focuses on combining different elements into a unified design.

global vision

Suggests a broad and encompassing design perspective.

general structure

Refers to the basic framework or organization of the design.

primary concept

Highlights the main idea guiding the design.

FAQs

How can I use "overarching design" in a sentence?

You can use "overarching design" to describe the main structural plan or concept guiding a project. For example: "The "holistic design" ensured all components worked together seamlessly."

What are some alternatives to "overarching design"?

Some alternatives include "holistic design", "comprehensive design", or "overall strategy" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "overarching design" when describing aesthetics?

It's more accurate to use "overarching design" when discussing the fundamental structure or plan of a project. For aesthetic elements, terms like "design theme" or "style" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "overarching design" and "detailed design"?

"Overarching design" refers to the high-level, comprehensive plan, while "detailed design" focuses on the specific implementation of that plan, including technical specifications and component-level decisions.