overriding issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or dominant concern in a particular context or discussion. Example: "In the debate about climate change, the overriding issue is the need for immediate action to reduce carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the overriding issue is age.

The New York Times

"But that's not the overriding issue here.

The Guardian

For a long time it was the overriding issue.

The New York Times - Sports

But the overriding issue is the widespread carrying of knives.

The Guardian

"So what was the overriding issue to come out of the meeting yesterday?" Drexler began.

The New Yorker

Also, right now the economy tends to be the big overriding issue.

The New York Times

"For my next three years," he said, "that will be the overriding issue.

The New York Times

He said the overriding issue was what the cost to consumers would be.

The New York Times

First, that for audiences, the size of the BBC is not an overriding issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The overriding issue is, members really want to see new leadership every so often".

The New York Times

The overriding issue, however, is a loss of power and prestige for Sunni Arabs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overriding issue", ensure it clearly identifies the single most important concern. Avoid using it when multiple issues are equally significant.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding issue" for problems that are merely contributing factors. Reserve it for the core problem that dictates the direction of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most important problem or consideration in a particular situation. Ludwig's examples show it is very common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overriding issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the most significant concern in a given situation. Ludwig, together with 59 examples from diverse and authoritative sources, confirms that the phrase is used across various domains, including news, business, and science. When using "overriding issue", ensure that it accurately reflects the primary concern, and explore alternative phrases like "paramount concern" or "chief issue" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paramount concern

Emphasizes the supreme importance of the issue.

chief concern

Highlights the issue as the most important one.

primary issue

Focuses on the issue being the first in order of importance.

main problem

Identifies the issue as the central difficulty.

central question

Presents the issue as the core question that needs to be addressed.

key challenge

Highlights the issue as a significant obstacle.

dominant factor

Emphasizes the issue's controlling influence.

prevailing consideration

Focuses on the issue that is currently most important.

critical matter

Highlights the issue's high degree of importance and urgency.

most pressing matter

Stresses the urgency and importance of the issue.

FAQs

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

Use "overriding issue" to highlight the most important problem or concern in a given situation. For example: "The "primary issue" is lack of funding for the project."

What is a good alternative to "overriding issue"?

Alternatives include "main concern", "chief problem", or "primary matter". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct: "overriding issue" or "over riding issue"?

"Overriding issue" is the correct spelling. "Over riding issue" incorrectly separates the word "overriding".

Is "overriding issue" the same as "important issue"?

While both refer to issues of significance, "overriding issue" implies a higher level of importance. It denotes the most significant or critical issue, while "important issue" simply indicates that something matters.