overriding intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where the primary or most important intention behind an action or decision is being discussed. Example: "In interpreting the contract, the court focused on the overriding intent of the parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But we have no financial incentive; our overriding intent is to do the right thing".

The New York Times

Engagement is their overriding intent.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

My overriding intention for 2015 is..

Huffington Post

But its overriding purpose is consonance.

The New York Times

On the ground there was an obvious disconnect between the messages Labour were intent on giving out and what voters said was their overriding concern.

The Guardian

Two overriding conclusions follow.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That is the overriding statistic.

The New York Times - Sports

"What was the overriding question?

The New Yorker

The overriding conclusion?

The Guardian - Film

The overriding goal: "Pure Color.

The New Yorker

Placement is the overriding consideration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overriding intent", ensure that the context clearly establishes what other intentions might be present, making the 'overriding' aspect meaningful. Otherwise, consider using a simpler term like 'primary intent'.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding intent" when a single, clear intention is already apparent. The term implies a hierarchy of intentions, and using it without that context can sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding intent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the principal or most important intention among others. Ludwig provides examples where it clarifies the primary motivation behind actions, aligning with the phrase's core purpose.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overriding intent" is a noun phrase used to denote the most important or dominant intention among several. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context warrants highlighting a primary intention over others. If the context is a single intent, consider using something simpler.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary intention

Focuses on the main aim, similar to "overriding intent" but emphasizes 'primary' over 'dominant'.

dominant purpose

Highlights the controlling reason, shifting from 'intent' to 'purpose' while retaining the core meaning.

chief aim

Emphasizes the principal goal, replacing both "overriding" and "intent" with simpler synonyms.

main objective

Stresses the key target, swapping 'intent' for 'objective' to denote a tangible goal.

principal motivation

Focuses on the driving force, exchanging 'intent' with 'motivation' to underscore the reason behind an action.

supreme objective

Highlights a goal above all others, similar to overriding, but with stronger emphasis.

highest priority

Implies the most urgent goal, differing from "overriding intent" by focusing on prioritization.

core desire

Emphasizes a deeply felt aspiration, substituting 'intent' with 'desire' to highlight emotional motivation.

central motive

Highlights the key driver, similar to "overriding intent" but with a slightly different nuance on the reason.

ultimate aim

Focuses on the final goal, this alternative stresses the end result more than the immediate intention.

FAQs

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

Use "overriding intent" to describe the most important aim or purpose behind an action or decision, especially when multiple intentions are present. For example: "The "overriding intent" of the policy was to protect the environment".

What's a good alternative to "overriding intent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "primary intention", "dominant purpose", or "main objective".

Is "overriding intent" formal or informal?

"Overriding intent" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase suitable for professional or academic contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "overriding intent" over "intent"?

Use "overriding intent" when you want to emphasize that a particular intention takes precedence over other considerations or possible intentions. "Intent" alone is sufficient when there is only one intention or when precedence is not a factor.