overriding purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

"overriding purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a purpose or goal that is more important than any other related goals. For example, "The overriding purpose of this project is to create a functional and efficient system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But while nearly all of the real achievements of the Wired Decade -- laptops, flat screens, faster chips, cheap and huge memories, P.D.A.'s, WiFi, instant messaging, browsers, the Web itself, all the actual stuff -- were accomplished by people elsewhere, it was New Yorkers who made the scramble for instant wealth the endeavors' overriding purpose.

The New York Times - Magazine

Good technology isn't just a matter of mission statements; it can also come from a tinkerer with no specific overriding purpose other than the pursuit of knowledge.

TechCrunch

Divining that Congress' overriding purpose was to "improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them," the Court sought to interpret the statute consistently with that purpose "if at all possible".

Huffington Post

The prime minister has justified cutting down the opportunity for judicial review of official decisions on the ground that economic progress should be our "overriding purpose", as in times of war.

The Guardian

But its overriding purpose is consonance.

The New York Times

According to these values, Facebook has a single overriding purpose, and it isn't news.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Our overriding public purpose in the antiterror campaign is to deter as many future attacks as we can without subverting our Constitution.

The New York Times

So too the approach of Jesse Jackson: the symbiotic strength of bringing together diverse people - by race, origin, national heritage, class, political perspectives -- in a common overriding public purpose.

Huffington Post

The holistic indigenous vision of health (called sumak kawsay in the Kichwa language – or "good living" in English) that is framed as the overriding social purpose in Ecuador's Constitution of 2008 [ 21] is providing an especially timely opportunity for our project to contribute to this mission.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Evolution of plot depends too frequently on chance or supernatural intervention, and characterization is often subordinated to an overriding didactic purpose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's also why my faith tells me that God is likely hanging out in North Carolina, where this week the state legislature has called a special session -- at a cost of $42,000 per day -- for the express purpose of overriding a Charlotte non-discrimination ordinance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overriding purpose" in contexts where clarity and emphasis are needed. This phrase effectively communicates the primary intention, especially in formal or persuasive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding purpose" when describing situations with multiple, equally important objectives. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where one goal clearly dominates, ensuring your communication remains precise and avoids misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important or dominant aim. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overriding purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, denoting the most important aim or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, its function is to emphasize the primary intention behind an action or decision. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that it accurately reflects the singular, most important objective to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central goal

This alternative emphasizes the core objective, around which other efforts are focused.

chief aim

This alternative emphasizes the primary goal or objective, focusing on the top-level intention.

principal objective

This alternative uses a more formal tone, highlighting the main goal to be achieved.

fundamental aim

This alternative suggests a basic or essential goal to be pursued.

main intention

This alternative focuses on the primary plan or design behind an action or decision.

ultimate goal

This alternative stresses the final or intended result to be achieved.

supreme objective

This alternative implies a higher or more important objective than others.

primary focus

This alternative highlights the main area of attention or concentration.

core reason

This alternative focuses on the fundamental rationale or justification for something.

driving force

This alternative emphasizes the factor that motivates or compels action.

FAQs

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

You can use "overriding purpose" to describe the most important goal or aim. For instance, "The "overriding purpose" of the project is to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "overriding purpose"?

Alternatives include "chief aim", "principal objective", or "central goal" depending on the context.

Is "overriding goal" or "overriding purpose" more appropriate?

Both "overriding goal" and "overriding purpose" are grammatically correct, but "overriding purpose" is generally preferred in formal contexts to emphasize the intention behind an action. For example, "His "overriding goal" was to win the match" is an equally good usage of the similar phrase.

What is the difference between "main purpose" and "overriding purpose"?

"Main purpose" refers to the primary intention, while "overriding purpose" suggests a purpose that is more important than any other consideration. Think of "overriding" as something that dominates or supersedes other purposes.