overriding answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a response or solution that takes precedence over others in a discussion or decision-making process. Example: "After much deliberation, we reached an overriding answer that addressed all concerns raised during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The overriding answer will be "play".

Huffington Post

"How do we prevent that?" Getting more LGBTQ+ people into the commissioning editor seat is the overriding answer, and the documentary Dream Boat demonstrates how that can work for everyone.

Vice

Overall, we discovered one main, overriding answer to our research question.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If creation out of nothing were indeed a demonstrable impossibility, then faith would be forced to override an answer given by reason rather than merely answer a question about which reason is silent.

SEP

Promontory's employees have always had the ability to "override any answer supplied by the Bank of America Claim Researcher," he said.

Huffington Post

These reviewers could override the answers, but they weren't starting from a blank slate.

Huffington Post

More importantly, despite equivalent physical effort, individuals cheat less when it requires overriding a default, correct answer (Super-commission) than when simply giving an incorrect answer (Commission) — because the former is psychologically harder.

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

Francesca immediately let them know that she was there to help answer one overriding question: What did Mrs. G. really want?

Huffington Post

I write to question the Department's constitutional authority on overriding federal law and seek answers as to whether this action sets precedent to allow states to opt out of other federal laws.

Huffington Post

All it has to do is exercise its overriding constitutional prerogative and give the nominee a little upfront advice before it provides any final consent: Answer our questions, or you won't get confirmed.

Forbes

Mr. Poundstone's book asks one overriding question: "Is it possible to devise a fair way of voting, one immune to vote splitting?" The answer requires some historical context: a brief history of elections gone terribly awry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overriding answer", ensure the context clearly establishes that this answer takes precedence over other possible solutions or responses. Use it to emphasize the importance or dominance of a particular answer.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding answer" when a simple or straightforward answer is sufficient. This phrase is most effective when multiple answers exist, but one is definitively more important or correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "overriding" modifies the noun "answer". It emphasizes that the answer is the most important or dominant one. Ludwig's examples show the phrase being used to highlight a key point in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overriding answer" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, though it's relatively rare. Ludwig indicates that it's employed to emphasize the most important or dominant answer in a given situation. While suitable for various contexts, its impact is greatest when highlighting a definitive solution amidst multiple options. Consider alternatives like "primary solution" or ""most important answer"" to fit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most important answer

Directly states the answer's significance.

primary solution

Focuses on the solution being the most important or first to be considered.

dominant response

Emphasizes the response being the most powerful or prevalent.

central answer

Highlights that the answer is the most important one to consider.

key resolution

Highlights the resolution as essential or crucial.

prevailing response

Indicates the response that is most common or accepted.

chief response

Focuses on the response being the leader and most important.

main reply

Simple alternative focusing on the primary answer.

ultimate resolution

Implies a final and decisive solution.

decisive solution

Emphasizes that the solution will give a result and end the debate.

FAQs

How can I use "overriding answer" in a sentence?

You can use "overriding answer" to emphasize the importance of a particular response or solution. For example, "The "most important answer" was to prioritize safety above all else".

What can I say instead of "overriding answer"?

Alternatives include "primary solution", "dominant response", or "key resolution", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "overriding answer"?

Use "overriding answer" when one answer clearly takes precedence over others due to its importance, correctness, or impact. This implies there are multiple possible answers, but one is definitive.

What is the difference between "overriding answer" and "simple answer"?

"Overriding answer" suggests a response that is not only correct but also superior or more important than other possible answers, whereas "simple answer" merely indicates a straightforward response without implying preeminence.