the overriding concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the overriding concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the most important issue or priority in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the debate over climate change, the overriding concern is the impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The overriding concern is Iverson's health.

The New York Times - Sports

The desire for naturalism in appearance became the overriding concern.

Britannica

The overriding concern for me is your health".

The New York Times

"The overriding concern is that the cost will be too great".

The New York Times - Health

"The overriding concern is to avoid collateral damage," another senior United States official said.

The New York Times

That saves fuel and, more importantly, launch mass (the overriding concern for any space mission).

The Economist

There, the overriding concern is no longer to depict nature as faithfully as possible.

The New York Times - Arts

The overriding concern for America now is the stabilisation of the "Greater Middle East".

The Economist

Debt was not usually the overriding concern of the young graduate.

The New York Times

However, Dr. Gerberding said the overriding concern now was preventing cases and deaths.

The New York Times

"The overriding concern is the economic slowdown," said Peter Coolidge, senior equity trader at Brean Murray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly establishes what other concerns exist, so the 'overriding' nature of the stated concern is evident.

Common error

Avoid using "the overriding concern" when only one concern exists, as it implies a comparison or ranking among several concerns. Use a more direct statement if there are no competing issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the overriding concern" functions as a noun phrase identifying the most important issue or consideration within a given context. It serves to emphasize the priority of a particular matter over others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the overriding concern" is a frequently used noun phrase that serves to emphasize the most important issue or consideration within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across numerous reliable sources. It functions to prioritize and focus attention on the most critical aspect of a situation, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. While adaptable to neutral and professional registers, the phrase's formality makes it less suitable for casual conversation. Related phrases, such as "the primary concern" and "the paramount concern", offer similar emphasis with slight variations in tone. When using the phrase, ensure that there's a clear context of multiple concerns, solidifying the 'overriding' nature of the stated issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the paramount concern

Emphasizes the supreme importance of the concern.

the chief concern

Highlights the main or principal concern.

the primary focus

Shifts the emphasis to the main point of attention.

the main priority

Indicates what is most important to address.

the dominant issue

Stresses the prevalence and influence of the issue.

the central problem

Focuses on the core difficulty or challenge.

the key consideration

Highlights the essential factor to take into account.

the biggest worry

Uses a more informal term for a significant concern.

the most pressing matter

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the issue.

the utmost importance

Highlights the extreme significance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "the overriding concern" in a sentence?

Use "the overriding concern" to highlight the most important issue among several others. For instance, "In this project, "the overriding concern" is staying within budget" indicates that budget management is the top priority.

What phrases can I use instead of "the overriding concern"?

You can use alternatives like "the primary concern", "the main priority", or "the paramount concern" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "the overriding concern"?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize that one particular issue is more important than others. This helps to focus attention and resources where they are most needed.

How does "the overriding concern" differ from "a concern"?

"The overriding concern" signifies the most important concern among multiple issues. "A concern" simply indicates a worry or issue without specifying its relative importance.