overarching issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"overarching issue" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to refer to a problem that is a combination of smaller related issues, and has a far-reaching impact. For example: "The lack of affordable housing is the overarching issue facing the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the overarching issue stands — Wall Street investors destroyed an American icon and the working lives of some 18,500 families".

The New York Times

Mr. Dowdy is a new homeowner who said he was not unfairly taxed and was not driven by any overarching issue.

The New York Times

Counsel assisting the coroner Emma Cooper said the "overarching issue" of the hearing would be "whether the authorities charged with providing for Mr Kehazaei's physical healthcare needs adequately discharged those responsibilities with respect to the condition of his leg".

The Guardian

A further overarching issue was addressed: What approach or approaches to protect amphibians are the most efficient in terms of costs (for the farmer) and effect (on the amphibians)?

Environmental Sciences Europe

Each overarching issue discussed is briefly described below and includes broad recommendations for future research in fiber toxicity.

Environmental Health Perspectives

In practice, it has been useful to establish a consultative role with clinicians already addressing the overarching issue.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

The overarching issue is presumably potential fraud.

The New York Times

But the overarching issue was drug violence.

The New York Times

But, Mr. Meister said, "the overarching issue is retroactivity".

The New York Times

The overarching issue is whether Google abused its market dominance.

The New York Times - Tech

"The overarching issue, of course, is that he's a proven winner," Bain-Selbo said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overarching issue" to frame a discussion when multiple sub-issues contribute to a larger, more significant problem. For example, when discussing climate change, frame it as the "overarching issue" affecting various environmental sectors.

Common error

Avoid using "overarching issue" when a problem is singular and doesn't encompass multiple contributing factors. For instance, don't use it to describe a simple lack of funding, as that's a direct, single problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overarching issue" functions as a noun phrase, where 'overarching' modifies the noun 'issue'. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct term. It typically identifies a central, pervasive problem that encompasses multiple related concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overarching issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a central problem encompassing various related sub-issues, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in news, media, and scientific contexts, it serves to frame discussions and emphasize significant problems. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the issue truly encompasses multiple contributing factors to avoid oversimplifying complex situations. Alternatives such as "core issue" or "central problem" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core issue

Highlights the central or most important aspect of the problem.

central problem

Focuses specifically on the problematic aspect, omitting the broad scope.

key concern

Emphasizes worry or anxiety related to a matter, less about the topic itself.

principal matter

Indicates significance and relevance, but is more formal.

primary focus

Highlights what is being given the most attention or effort.

main challenge

Highlights the difficulty that needs to be overcome.

dominant theme

Implies a recurring or prevailing element throughout a discussion or situation.

fundamental question

Shifts the emphasis to inquiry and understanding rather than a problem.

major consideration

Emphasizes careful thought and evaluation.

chief subject

Highlights the main topic under discussion or analysis.

FAQs

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

Use "overarching issue" to describe a central problem that encompasses various related sub-issues. For example, "The "overarching issue" in the company's decline was poor management and lack of innovation."

What are some alternatives to "overarching issue"?

You can use alternatives like "core issue", "central problem", or "key concern" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "overarching issue" and "primary concern"?

"Overarching issue" refers to a broad, encompassing problem, while "primary concern" refers to the most important worry or area of focus.

Is "overarching issue" formal or informal language?

"Overarching issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news, academic papers, and business reports.