the overriding purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the overriding purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important reason for something, often in discussions about goals or objectives. Example: "In our project, the overriding purpose is to enhance user experience and satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

As one historian put it, everything was thrown at "the overriding purpose" of beating Hitler.

The Guardian

The framework agreement is said to make clear that the overriding purpose of the talks is to make peace.

The Economist

"And protecting the continued existence of the species," he added, "is the overriding purpose" of the law.

The New York Times - Science

But as our cases repeatedly and consistently emphasize, ultimate public access is the overriding purpose of the constitutional provision.

Harvard University

T HE ATTEMPT TO embody the ideals of a democratic, pluralist society is the overriding purpose of Siah Armajani's art.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The overriding purpose for our action is to increase supply and help consumers make it through the cold winter," Mr. Clinton said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But today the main, overriding purpose of the European Union is different: not to win peace, but to secure prosperity.

The Guardian

The overriding function remains the same: to distribute capital efficiently.

Vice

The DIAN's overriding purpose is to contribute to the search for meaningful therapies for AD by helping elucidate the cascade of events that lead to dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Despite opposition from the sugar barons and the developers, Congress stipulated that restoration was to be the plan's overriding purpose, and that nature, not commerce, would have first claim on the water.

The New York Times

At the beginning of his narrative, the author defines his overriding purpose: "Jews are invited to find out what is being done in their name.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the overriding purpose", ensure it clearly aligns with the overall strategy or mission to provide context and direction.

Common error

Avoid using "the overriding purpose" without clearly defining what that purpose actually is. Ambiguity dilutes the phrase's impact and confuses the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the overriding purpose" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the most important reason or goal behind an action, decision, or project. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the overriding purpose" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that denotes the most important reason or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Its function is to emphasize the primary intention, and its register is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To maximize clarity, ensure the purpose is well-defined and aligns with the overall objective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main objective

Emphasizes the primary goal to be achieved, similar to "the overriding purpose" but focuses on a specific objective.

the chief aim

Highlights the principal goal or intention, akin to "the overriding purpose" but with a stronger emphasis on intent.

the principal goal

Focuses on the main target or outcome, resembling "the overriding purpose" in its concentration on the primary aim.

the key objective

Underlines the most important objective, sharing the core meaning of "the overriding purpose" but with a stress on importance.

the central focus

Indicates the main point of attention or effort, akin to "the overriding purpose" in its emphasis on the core focus.

the primary intent

Highlights the initial or main intention behind an action or plan, echoing "the overriding purpose" with a focus on intention.

the foremost reason

Stresses the most important reason for something, close to "the overriding purpose" in its emphasis on the primary cause.

the ultimate goal

Focuses on the final or most important goal, similar to "the overriding purpose" but with a long-term perspective.

the supreme objective

Highlights the highest or most important objective, resembling "the overriding purpose" with a stronger emphasis on importance and hierarchy.

the fundamental reason

Emphasizes the basic or essential reason behind something, close to "the overriding purpose" in its stress on the underlying cause.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "the overriding purpose", make sure to clearly state what the purpose is and how it influences the actions or decisions being discussed. For example, "The "main objective" of this initiative is to improve customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "the overriding purpose" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "primary goal", ""main objective"", or "chief aim" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "the overriding purpose"?

Yes, the phrase "the overriding purpose" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

How does "the overriding purpose" differ from "the intended outcome"?

"The overriding purpose" refers to the main reason or intention behind an action, while "the intended outcome" refers to the expected result. The "primary reason" might be to increase efficiency, while the intended outcome is a specific percentage increase in productivity.