overriding emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular point or aspect is of primary importance or takes precedence over others. Example: "In this report, we place overriding emphasis on the need for sustainable practices in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

From the beginning there was an overriding emphasis on speed, to search out survivors, and more recently, to scour the debris field for human remains.

The New York Times

Overnight, the administration was forced to change gears from an overriding emphasis on missile defense, a policy that threatened serious problems with European allies, Russia and China.

The New York Times

This was, in general, the overriding emphasis of such thinkers as David Ricardo, John Stuart Mill, and Nassau William Senior in England, of Frédéric Bastiat and Jean-Baptiste Say in France, and, somewhat later, the Austrian school of Carl Menger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other sciences too the overriding emphasis was on practicality, for the Chinese, almost alone among ancient peoples, did not fill the cosmos with gods and demons whose arbitrary wills determined events.

Britannica

"Much more than the cabinet, the president was concerned about getting the Supreme Court right, with an overriding emphasis on getting the system fixed," said Jawed Ludin, the president's chief of staff.

The New York Times

Physiotherapy leaders fear that such resistance is even more deeply embedded after the coalition government's health reforms, sold as "putting doctors and nurses in the driving seat", and the overriding emphasis on nursing in the Francis reforms following the mid-Staffordshire hospitals scandal.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This makes conditions perfect for summer's emphasis on the clash of colour as the overriding male fashion trend.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Overriding feeling?

The Guardian

Hers was overriding.

The New York Times - Books

"overriding a doctor's recommendations".

The New York Times

The moral issue is overriding".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overriding emphasis" when you want to clearly indicate that one particular aspect or consideration is more important than others. This phrase is suitable for formal writing where clarity and precision are essential.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding emphasis" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formality can sound out of place and overly assertive in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main focus" or "key point".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding emphasis" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, specifying that a particular aspect is more important than others. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It highlights the element that takes precedence in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overriding emphasis" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates something receives more importance than other things. According to Ludwig, it is best suited for formal contexts like news, academic writing, and professional communications. Ludwig's analysis shows that while the phrase is correct, simpler alternatives such as "primary focus" or "main priority" may be more appropriate in informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the formality and that the message benefits from highlighting strict prioritization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary focus

Shifts from 'emphasis' to 'focus', suggesting a central point of attention rather than a stressed importance.

main priority

Replaces 'emphasis' with 'priority', highlighting what is most important to address or achieve.

chief importance

Substitutes 'overriding' with 'chief' and 'emphasis' with 'importance', underscoring the significance of something.

paramount concern

Conveys a sense of urgency and the highest level of importance.

principal concern

Emphasizes the main area of worry or attention.

major stress

Focuses on the key point of stress or highlight.

central theme

Highlights the core idea or subject that is most prominent.

dominant aspect

Emphasizes the prevailing characteristic or feature.

foremost consideration

Indicates the most important factor to be taken into account.

key consideration

Highlights the essential point to be thought about.

FAQs

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

You can use "overriding emphasis" to highlight the most important aspect of a situation. For example, "There was an "overriding emphasis" on safety during the project." or "The "overriding emphasis" of this policy is to protect vulnerable populations."

What is a good alternative to "overriding emphasis"?

Alternatives include "primary focus", "main priority", or "chief importance". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "overriding emphasis" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "overriding emphasis" is quite formal and may sound out of place in casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "main thing" or "key focus".

What's the difference between "overriding emphasis" and "main focus"?

"Overriding emphasis" suggests a strict prioritization where one aspect takes precedence over all others. "Main focus" is a more general term indicating the primary area of attention without necessarily implying that other aspects are less important.