overriding difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a primary or significant challenge that takes precedence over other issues. Example: "The team faced an overriding difficulty in securing funding for the project, which hindered their progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The overriding difficulty for Sanders is that to catch Clinton before July's party convention, he has to not only beat her in most of the remaining states, but win by margins of up to 20 points to compensate for all those southern losses.

The Guardian

The overriding difficulty in performing the present analysis was the large number of predictor (composition) variables and relatively smaller number of emission samples on which to examine health outcomes.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, due to scheduling and access difficulties, and the overriding need for safety, real time site visits may not be possible, and alternative approaches need to be investigated.

Automation in Construction

These overriding mechanisms against adverse reports present difficulties when seen in the light of Article 12 of the Constitution, which is meant to guarantee equal protection under the law to minorities without discrimination, since bills containing differentiating measures that are presented to the President for assent can be seen as "inconsistent with the fundamental liberties of the subject".

Wikipedia

If any thread holds this weird and well-acted film together, it's a kind of sustained riff on the idea of narrative: our difficulty arranging story events into artful plots or our overriding desire for the closure of a coherent ending, which "Catechism" spectacularly thwarts in a literally mind-blowing surrealist finale.

The New York Times

"What was the overriding question?

The New Yorker

"That is the overriding statistic.

The New York Times - Sports

The overriding goal: "Pure Color.

The New Yorker

Placement is the overriding consideration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The overriding conclusion?

The Guardian - Film

It had to be the overriding ethos.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, consider using "overriding difficulty" at the beginning of the sentence to put emphasis on the most significant issue that needs attention.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding difficulty" for minor inconveniences or challenges; reserve it for situations where the difficulty truly overshadows other concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "overriding" acts as a modifier specifying the type of difficulty. It serves to identify and emphasize the most significant challenge or obstacle in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overriding difficulty" is a grammatically sound and usable expression employed to pinpoint the most significant challenge in a given scenario. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal and neutral writing styles. While not overly common, it effectively communicates a primary obstacle, particularly within news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives such as "primary challenge" or "main obstacle" can provide similar emphasis. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the most substantial impediment, distinguishing it from lesser difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary challenge

Replaces "difficulty" with "challenge", maintaining the sense of a significant obstacle.

main obstacle

Substitutes "overriding difficulty" with a more direct expression of a major impediment.

key problem

Uses "problem" instead of "difficulty", highlighting the issue as a central concern.

principal hurdle

Emphasizes the idea of overcoming an obstacle with "hurdle".

biggest struggle

Highlights the effort required to overcome the difficulty.

foremost impediment

Replaces the words with synonyms: 'foremost' for 'overriding' and 'impediment' for 'difficulty'.

chief concern

Shifts the focus to a central worry or matter of importance.

dominant issue

Emphasizes the prevalence and importance of the problem.

central complication

Highlights the complex and intricate nature of the difficulty.

major setback

Focuses on the difficulty as a hindrance to progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "overriding difficulty" to highlight the most significant challenge in a situation. For instance, "The "overriding difficulty" in this project is securing sufficient funding.".

What are some alternatives to "overriding difficulty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "primary challenge", "main obstacle", or "key problem" instead of "overriding difficulty".

Is "overriding difficulty" formal or informal language?

"Overriding difficulty" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. It is often used in news, academic writing, and professional communications.

What makes "overriding difficulty" different from a "simple difficulty"?

"Overriding difficulty" emphasizes that the difficulty is the most significant and influential factor, unlike a "simple difficulty", which is just a general or minor issue.