overarching theory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overarching theory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comprehensive or all-encompassing explanation or framework that connects various concepts or ideas. Example: "The overarching theory of evolution provides a unifying framework for understanding the diversity of life on Earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And yet he's an academic himself (whose main subject matter, his book jacket tells us, is "decision making under opacity"), and the book he's written is nothing if not one big, hyperextended, overarching theory about how to live in a random and uncertain world.

The New York Times - Books

Thus, while providing important steps toward an overarching theory of parietal function, even these innovative studies are silent on how multiple behavioral domains relate to each other within the parietal cortex (Ciaramelli et al. 2008; Hutchinson et al. 2009; Hutchinson et al. 2014).

Cerebral Cortex

The difficulty is that there is no overarching theory.

The New York Times - Magazine

Milton Friedman — he was a macro theorist, but he was less driven by theory and by the desire to construct a single overarching theory than by attempting to answer empirical questions.

The New Yorker

This is because evolution operates as an overarching theory.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"We collect so much data, but this could provide the overarching theory we need to make sense of it," he says.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Investors have a right to be skeptical," he said, adding that investors have been more receptive to pitches on quality, dividend-paying stocks like Pepsi or ConocoPhillips than overarching theories.

The New York Times

That BCI tree species abundance follows Benford's law indicates that the pattern may reflect multiple and complex ecological mechanisms, and this possibility further undermines SAD usefulness as substantiation for overarching theories.

Plosone

Overarching theories about the causes of medicines non-adherence represented a significant minority of statements.

BMC Health Services Research

Second, Dr. Doolittle raises the possibility that biology has no overarching unifying theory, and that a mature explanatory toolkit is the apex of biology.

Biology Direct

But this team did offer a concise and overarching defense theory, albeit out of the jury's presence, as it questioned a construction executive and argued a motion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overarching theory", ensure it genuinely encompasses a wide range of phenomena or ideas. Avoid using it for limited or specific explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "overarching theory" when a more specific or limited explanation is more appropriate. Overusing the term can make your analysis seem grandiose or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overarching theory" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement within a sentence. It identifies a broad, comprehensive, and unifying explanation for a set of phenomena. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overarching theory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a comprehensive and unifying explanation. Predominantly found in news media and scientific publications, as noted by Ludwig, it conveys a formal and sophisticated tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the described theory truly possesses broad scope and explanatory power. Alternatives such as "comprehensive framework" or "unifying principle" can offer nuanced substitutes. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correctly used in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unified theory

Indicates a theory that combines previously separate ideas.

Overarching explanation

Focuses on the theory's ability to provide a reason or justification.

Overarching concept

Focuses on the central idea that governs a system of thought.

Comprehensive framework

Emphasizes the inclusiveness and breadth of the theoretical structure.

General framework

Highlights the applicability of a theory in multiple contexts.

Comprehensive model

Emphasizes the descriptive and predictive capabilities of the theory.

Unifying principle

Highlights the role of the theory in bringing together disparate elements.

Integrated approach

Highlights the way the theory brings together different perspectives.

Grand narrative

Suggests a broad, encompassing story or explanation.

Global perspective

Suggests a wide-ranging viewpoint that considers all aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "overarching theory" to describe a comprehensive framework that explains various phenomena. For example: "The scientist sought an "overarching theory" to explain the universe's mysteries."

What's the difference between "overarching theory" and "hypothesis"?

"Overarching theory" refers to a well-substantiated explanation, while a "hypothesis" is a testable prediction. A theory is broader and more established than a hypothesis.

What can I say instead of "overarching theory"?

You can use alternatives like "comprehensive framework", "unifying principle", or "unified theory", depending on the context.

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

While "overarching theory" is suitable for formal and academic contexts, simpler terms like "main idea" or "big picture" might be more appropriate in informal writing.