the overarching problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the overarching problem' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large, general problem that encompasses many different aspects of a situation. For example: "The overarching problem with our education system is that it does not provide equal opportunities for all students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A classical approach to address complex problems is to break them down into more manageable sub-problems, solve these separately and then aggregate the results into a solution for the overarching problem.

Security Informatics

I think the overarching problem with the U.S. health care system is that the economic incentives involved are misaligned, and that creates huge market failure so that market forces don't work effectively for patients, and that results in two major problems.

Forbes

While she took issue with how news outlets reported the hoax, the 24-year-old said it did manage to highlight the overarching problem and a put a public face to it.

Huffington Post

The overarching problem is political.

The Guardian - Opinion

(The overarching problem of classical music is the tuxedo).

The New Yorker

But the overarching problem here, he said, probably had to do with the new demographic trends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But the overarching problems burdening not only the world's poor, but the earth itself will remain undaunted and unchecked.

Huffington Post

Once you learn the overarching problems, like the three-year-old wanting some autonomy over his playtime or the teenager wanting to confess his alcoholism.

Huffington Post

The second overarching problem was the policy framework.

Huffington Post

That, though, was the limit of Johnson's bravado, and this speaks to the Jets' overarching problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Our data highlights one important overarching problem underlying all four aforementioned problems, i.e. guidelines for training and deployment of nurses and midwives.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "the overarching problem" with a concise explanation of the problem's scope and impact, ensuring your audience understands its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "the overarching problem" when referring to a relatively minor or specific issue. Using more precise language will make your writing clearer and more credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the overarching problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a central, all-encompassing issue that needs to be addressed. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and correctly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the overarching problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that identifies a comprehensive issue. Ludwig confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and analytical writing. When using this phrase, ensure the problem genuinely encompasses a broad range of contributing factors and impacts. To enhance clarity, follow it with a concise explanation of the problem's scope. Avoid using it for minor or isolated concerns to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most significant problem

Emphasizes the importance of the problem.

the principal issue

Highlights the leading or most important issue.

the central issue

Emphasizes the core or most important point.

the overriding concern

Indicates a concern that takes precedence over others.

the key challenge

Focuses on the difficulty aspect of the problem.

the main concern

Highlights the source of worry or anxiety.

the primary difficulty

Stresses the initial and most significant obstacle.

the fundamental obstacle

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the impediment.

the ultimate difficulty

Points to the final or most extreme challenge.

the dominant question

Highlights a prevailing or controlling question.

FAQs

How can I use "the overarching problem" in a sentence?

You can use "the overarching problem" to introduce a major issue that has many contributing factors. For example, "The overarching problem in healthcare is access to affordable care."

What are some alternatives to "the overarching problem"?

Some alternatives include "the main issue", "the central concern", or "the key challenge", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the overarching problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "the overarching problem" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing complex issues in fields like science, business, or politics.

What's the difference between "the overarching problem" and "the specific problem"?

"The overarching problem" refers to a broad, encompassing issue, while "the specific problem" refers to a particular, well-defined issue. Understanding this distinction is essential for clear communication.