overriding imperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding imperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dominant or primary obligation or necessity that takes precedence over other considerations. Example: "In times of crisis, the overriding imperative is to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Yet safety would seem an overriding imperative to insist there was a change of start time.

The Guardian - Sport

In both cases, despite talk of "victory," the overriding imperative became simply to avoid defeat.

The Washington Post

An overriding imperative in the United States, he says, should be to avert a drastic economic slowdown.

The New York Times

But there are no quick fixes and no right answers, beyond the overriding imperative of political cohesion.

The Guardian

Where issues of equity and economic efficiency are seen to clash, the overriding imperative is economic growth.

Britannica

What they share, instead, is a dedication to party unity as an overriding imperative -- and a relentlessly improving track record of achieving it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

If the content of last year's Proms, the second season under the aegis of director David Pickard, was dominated by its obligation to mark a number of significant anniversaries, especially the centenary of the end of the first world war, there are no such overriding imperatives this time.

The Guardian - Music

The US government has relied on a combination of secrecy, remoteness, legal ambiguity and the overriding imperatives of the war on terror to insist that their drone strikes are lawful, do not amount to extrajudicial killings, and minimise civilian harm in all instances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, he operates with two overriding imperatives: make the writing lively and exciting, and keep your readers pumped up on a constant adrenaline rush of fast-breaking scoops.

Los Angeles Times

After the historic first White House Roundtable on Bisexual Issues last September, one of the overriding imperatives coming out of the meeting was to draw attention to the severe health disparities affecting the bisexual community.

HuffPost

But there is also an overriding humanitarian imperative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, be clear about what the imperative is and why it takes precedence. Provide context to underscore its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding imperative" for matters of mere preference or convenience. Reserve it for situations where the stakes are genuinely high and a critical need exists. If the concept of an "imperative" does not exist, but there is rather a choice of doing X or Y, avoid calling it an "overriding imperative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding imperative" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important and urgent requirement or obligation. It is often used to introduce a statement of priority, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overriding imperative" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to emphasize the utmost importance of a particular necessity or obligation. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly conveys a primary and dominant obligation and is acceptable in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedia contexts, this phrase serves to highlight priorities and critical requirements. For increased clarity and impact, it's best to use this phrase when communicating a crucial and urgent need, while avoiding overstatement in less critical contexts. Alternatives like "paramount necessity" or "chief priority" can be considered based on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paramount necessity

Replaces "imperative" with "necessity" and "overriding" with "paramount", emphasizing the critical need.

chief priority

Substitutes "imperative" with "priority" and "overriding" with "chief", focusing on what is most important.

primary obligation

Replaces "imperative" with "obligation" and "overriding" with "primary", highlighting a fundamental duty.

dominant requirement

Substitutes "imperative" with "requirement" and "overriding" with "dominant", emphasizing the prevailing need.

critical necessity

Replaces "imperative" with "necessity" and "overriding" with "critical", emphasizing the urgency of the need.

utmost importance

Replaces the entire phrase with a noun phrase emphasizing the significance.

essential duty

Replaces "imperative" with "duty" and "overriding" with "essential", focusing on a necessary responsibility.

compelling need

Replaces "imperative" with "need" and "overriding" with "compelling", emphasizing a forceful requirement.

pressing concern

Shifts the focus to a significant issue that demands immediate attention.

topmost concern

Replaces "imperative" with "concern" and "overriding" with "topmost", emphasizing the highest level of worry/importance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "overriding imperative" in a sentence?

The phrase "overriding imperative" should be followed by a clear statement of what is most important. For instance, "The "overriding imperative" is to ensure the safety of all personnel" clearly defines the priority.

What are some alternatives to "overriding imperative" that I can use?

Alternatives include "paramount necessity", "chief priority", or "primary obligation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "overriding imperative" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "overriding imperative" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, consider using simpler phrases like "most important thing" or "main priority".

What's the difference between "overriding imperative" and "important goal"?

"Overriding imperative" suggests a critical, non-negotiable requirement that must be addressed. "Important goal" implies a desired outcome that may be pursued with more flexibility. The key difference lies in the level of necessity and urgency.