override the system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "override the system" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used to express the idea of overriding an existing system, tool, or process with a new one. For example: "We need to override the system in order to ensure the security of our network."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The operator can intervene and override the system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Roosevelt did not override the system, but it was a close call.

The New Yorker

The driver can override the system and take over when conditions call for it -- say, at a car wash.

The New York Times - Travel

For those worried that leaving such emergency situations in the hands of a computer could prove disastrous, there are ways to override the system.

The New York Times

"There is therefore the potential for the vehicle manufacturer to become liable for an accident, as opposed to the driver, if they are unable to override the system".

The Guardian - Money

But it is also easy to imagine technology that would allow only passengers to use their phones — by tethering them to devices, placed on the passenger side of the car, that would override the system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It was a cost not because threats were unreal but because it overrode the system.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, Nasdaq overrode the system manually, switching to a backup server.

The New York Times

To do so you just manually steer, overriding the system and deactivating the steering control with a boop-boop sound.

The Guardian - Tech

As we began moving, I followed along on the screen, which informed me when the car was in autonomous mode and when the operator had overridden the system and taken the wheel.

The New Yorker

Emergency codes allow crew to enter an aircraft cockpit in the event of an incapacitated pilot, but the co-pilot is thought to have intentionally overridden the system, which is a post-9/11 security measure intended to prevent hijack.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "override the system", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what has the authority to perform the override. For example, specify if it's a user, administrator, or another system.

Common error

Avoid using "override the system" without specifying which specific aspects of the system are being affected. Being too vague can lead to misinterpretations. Instead, specify which modules, settings, or functions are being overridden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "override the system" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "override" is the verb and "the system" is the direct object. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use to describe the act of negating or taking precedence over a pre-existing system or process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Wiki

6.666666666666667%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "override the system" is used to indicate that a pre-existing system or process is being intentionally counteracted or controlled. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase. Its usage is most prevalent in news and scientific contexts, demonstrating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives such as "bypass the system" or "supersede the system" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, clarity about who or what is doing the overriding and which specific parts of the system are affected is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supersede the system

Implies replacing the system with something newer or more effective.

take precedence over the system

Highlights the priority of one action or rule over the system.

bypass the system

Implies avoiding the system altogether, rather than directly counteracting it.

countermand the system

Suggests a higher authority canceling or reversing the system's directives.

negate the system

Focuses on rendering the system ineffective or nullifying its actions.

nullify the system

Highlights the act of invalidating the system's functionality.

invalidate the system

Similar to 'nullify', but emphasizes the system becoming void or illegitimate.

disregard the system

Emphasizes ignoring the system, rather than actively opposing it.

circumvent the procedure

Focuses on avoiding the formal procedures of the system.

invert the system

Indicates a reversal of the system's intended function or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "override the system" in a sentence?

You can use "override the system" to describe a situation where a person or process is taking control over an automated or established process. For example: "The operator can "intervene" and override the system in case of emergencies".

What does it mean to "override the system"?

To "override the system" means to counteract or negate the normal operation of a pre-existing set of rules, regulations, or automated processes. It suggests taking control or priority over something already in place.

What can I say instead of "override the system"?

Alternatives to "override the system" include phrases like "bypass the system", "supersede the system", or "countermand the system", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "override the system"?

The phrase "override the system" is suitable in contexts discussing technology, processes, regulations, or automated systems where manual intervention or a change in control is possible. It is used in news, science, and encyclopedic content.