overrides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overrides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one thing takes precedence over another or replaces it. Example: "The new policy overrides the previous regulations regarding employee conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The White House has said Obama would veto Corker's bill, but aides to the president are increasingly alarmed at the prospect of the legislation receiving the two-thirds majority that overrides the presidential veto.

The Guardian

In addition, she notes that the law overrides all previous "protected areas" legislation.

The Guardian

Now a journalist on the Sunday Times, Jonathan Miller, has spotted a legal loophole in the Beeb's defences.He is refusing to pay his £112 on the grounds that the 1998 Human Rights Act's definition of freedom of expression overrides the law that enforces collection of the licence fee.

The Economist

The commander appoints the ministers of defence, interior and border affairs and can declare a state of emergency that overrides much of the government apparatus.

The Economist

In the aftermath of a disaster, only the first of these questions matters: when so many are in such need, the humanitarian imperative overrides qualms about giving handouts to a repugnant regime.

The Economist

The justices must decide whether citizens' right to have their contracts respected overrides the government's obligation to protect the currency.Most legal scholars side with the banks.

The Economist

But the way that the A380 project is being managed establishes a new way of working that overrides the old national, work-sharing traditions.Transnational groups have been set up to focus on various aspects of the new aircraft's production.

The Economist

Vivid language often overrides basic arithmetic.Some findings are downright peculiar.

The Economist

A few weeks ago, it was rumoured to be talking to its arch-rival, Nasdaq, about a merger; but the talks seem to have come to nothing.The mergers have been guided by the idea that technology overrides geography.

The Economist

He favours a Libyan-Egyptian peace plan, which overrides the south's right to secede, without putting the Islamic state, the focal point for the mainly Christian south's discontent, up for negotiation.The rebels control, and try to administer, 80% of the south.

The Economist

Accounting rules outside America lean more towards principles, particularly in Britain, where the importance of providing a "true and fair" view of a company's performance overrides specific rules.Fights over new accounting standards do not usually grab headlines.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overrides" when indicating a clear hierarchy or precedence, where one rule, law, or consideration is more important than another.

Common error

Avoid using "overrides" when the situation involves a simple modification or adjustment, rather than a complete replacement or invalidation. Use verbs like "amends" or "adjusts" for minor changes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overrides" is as a verb, typically in the third-person singular present tense. It indicates an action of one thing taking precedence or authority over another. Ludwig provides several examples of its use in contexts ranging from legal to conceptual frameworks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "overrides" functions primarily as a verb indicating that one element takes precedence or authority over another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing "overrides", clarity is crucial: ensure the context unambiguously identifies what is being superseded and what assumes its place. While alternatives like "supersedes" or "takes precedence" exist, "overrides" specifically conveys a hierarchy or the invalidation of one element by another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes precedence over

Focuses on the act of preceding or superseding in importance or authority.

supersedes

Highlights the action of replacing something established with something new.

nullifies

Emphasizes the cancellation or invalidation of something previously in effect.

invalidates

Similar to nullifies, but more directed towards an explicit declaration of something as not valid.

takes priority over

Stresses the preferential treatment or urgency given to one item over another.

trumps

An informal term for surpassing or defeating something, often in a competitive context.

outweighs

Focuses on the greater importance or impact of one thing compared to another.

negates

Highlights the cancellation of the effect of an entity.

reverses

Emphasizes a complete change of direction or outcome, often in legal or policy settings.

countermands

Specifies an order or decision being revoked or canceled by a superior authority.

FAQs

How is "overrides" typically used in a sentence?

The word "overrides" is commonly used to indicate that something takes precedence over something else. For example, "Federal law overrides state law in this matter".

What are some alternatives to using the word "overrides"?

You can use alternatives like "supersedes", "takes precedence", or "nullifies" depending on the context.

When should I use "overrides" instead of "replaces"?

"Overrides" implies a hierarchy or superiority, where one thing has authority over another. "Replaces" simply means to take the place of something else, without necessarily implying authority.

What's the difference between "overrides" and "amends"?

"Overrides" suggests a complete displacement or invalidation of something, while "amends" indicates a modification or improvement. "Overrides" is stronger and implies a greater degree of change.