overriding thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overriding thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a dominant or prevailing idea that influences decisions or actions. Example: "The overriding thought during the meeting was the need for immediate action to address the budget shortfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But there will probably have been one overriding thought in her mind: duty.

The Guardian

All these policies point to one overriding thought: the constitutional foundation underlying the privilege is the respect a government..

Cornell University

The Miami Hurricanes approached their Big East game against St. John's tonight with this overriding thought: As goes point guard Marcus Hatten, so goes the Red Storm.

The New York Times - Sports

But campaign officials are turning to local officials for guidance with this overriding thought in mind: If the weather would be good enough for the Carolina Panthers to play in the rain, it will be good enough for the president.

The New York Times

Excited and overwhelmed, yes, but my overriding thought is "where the heck's the toilet?" In fact, the ensuing race is a run from one loo stop to the next.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With such a huge lead starting the day, Els, the South African who is the world's fifth-ranked player, had one overriding thought: play conservatively and let the opposition take the big chances.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

My overriding thoughts at that moment were not for Mr Clark, not for the surgeon nor Dr Roberts.

The Guardian

There is that overriding idea – spawned from a Thought Catalog piece about two years ago, if we want to apportion blame – an idea that social media is "just the highlights reel", a focus on the good and a careful sidestepping of the bad, and no more is that so than on Instagram: we never cry on Instagram; we are rarely melancholy.

Vice

He had no big overriding idea.

The New Yorker

The overriding sentiment I'm encountering is... "I'M OVERWHELMED".

Huffington Post

There was deliberate thought and an overriding emphasis on finding the right fit.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context makes it clear whose thought is being described as "overriding". This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "overriding thought" interchangeably with phrases that imply a process, such as "train of thought". "Overriding thought" refers to a single, dominant idea, not a sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overriding thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important or dominant idea in a particular context, as evidenced by various examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overriding thought" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that signifies the most important or dominant idea influencing a situation. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying whose thought is being described. Consider alternatives like "primary consideration" or "dominant idea" for nuanced expression. Avoid confusing it with sequential thought processes. Ludwig AI’s analysis highlights the phrase's function in emphasizing key elements within various narratives and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant idea

Highlights the idea that is most influential or prevalent.

prevailing notion

Highlights a widespread or accepted belief.

key consideration

Emphasizes the crucial aspect to take into account.

primary consideration

Focuses on the element that is most important when making a decision.

central focus

Indicates the key area of attention or emphasis.

main concern

Emphasizes the principal worry or anxiety.

driving force

Identifies the factor that propels or motivates action.

overarching theme

Signifies a recurring or unifying element that prevails throughout.

principal motive

Points to the main reason or incentive behind an action.

chief aim

Underlines the primary goal or objective.

FAQs

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

You can use "overriding thought" to describe the primary consideration or dominant idea in a situation. For example, "The "overriding thought" was to ensure everyone's safety".

What are some alternatives to "overriding thought"?

Alternatives include "primary consideration", "dominant idea", or "main concern", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "overriding thought" or "overarching theme"?

"Overriding thought" refers to a specific, dominant idea, while "overarching theme" describes a recurring element throughout a larger context. Use "overriding thought" when focusing on a single, powerful consideration.

How does "overriding thought" differ from a simple "thought"?

The word "overriding" emphasizes that the "overriding thought" is the most important or influential among other thoughts or considerations. It signifies a hierarchy of importance.