overriding reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"overriding reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a very important reason or justification for an action or decision. For example, "The overriding reason for the company's decision to close the overseas office was cost efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And, finally, there was another, overriding, reason to drink while reading.

The New Yorker

But Baltz stuck with St. John's for one overriding reason.

The New York Times - Sports

One overriding reason is to pay down debt.

The New York Times

There is one overriding reason why the industry is so complex: tax.

The Economist

But he says there is "one overriding reason I must leave China.

The New York Times

But an overriding reason is that some parents simply can't be contained.

The New York Times

In short, I released these memos because there was no overriding reason to protect them.

The Guardian

As for the overriding reason to see the film, that's easy.

The New Yorker

The overriding reason is the gulf between the prosperity of London and the provinces.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rivers said that he thought Rondo's reputation was an overriding reason for the severity of the penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

Directed by Nigel Cole, who made Calendar Girls, she admits there was one overriding reason for joining the project.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overriding reason", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant factor influencing a decision or situation. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating why this reason takes precedence over others.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding reason" when multiple factors contribute equally. Using it inappropriately can diminish the importance of other contributing elements and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding reason" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the most significant justification or motive behind an action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig, the usage of this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overriding reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to emphasize the most significant factor influencing a decision or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources, predominantly News & Media and Scientific publications. While versatile in register, it's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the primary importance of the identified reason. Alternatives such as "primary cause" or "main justification" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main justification

Highlights the principal argument or rationale behind a decision or action.

principal motive

Highlights the main driving force or intention behind an action.

primary cause

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the main reason something happened.

dominant rationale

Stresses the most influential or prevailing reasoning.

foremost purpose

Emphasizes the most important goal or objective.

chief consideration

Emphasizes the most important aspect to be taken into account.

key factor

Emphasizes a significant element that contributes to an outcome.

central argument

Highlights the core point being made in a discussion or debate.

primary impetus

Highlights the initial driving force or stimulus behind something.

biggest incentive

Focuses on the most significant motivation or encouragement.

FAQs

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

Use "overriding reason" to emphasize the most important factor influencing a decision or situation. For example, "The "overriding reason" for the project's delay was the lack of funding."

What can I say instead of "overriding reason"?

You can use alternatives like "primary cause", "main justification", or "key factor" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the overriding reasons" instead of "overriding reason"?

Yes, using "overriding reasons" is correct when there are multiple significant factors, while "overriding reason" is suitable when there is one primary factor. Ensure the pluralization aligns with the actual number of reasons.

What's the difference between "overriding reason" and "important reason"?

"Overriding reason" implies a higher level of significance than a simple "important reason". The former suggests that this reason takes precedence over all others, while the latter simply denotes that the reason is noteworthy.