Basic principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the essential and fundamental ideas or concepts that are fundamental or fundamental to a particular field of study, belief system, or other activity. For example: "The basic principles of economics can be difficult to understand, but they are essential for anyone interested in learning more about the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Basic principles of corporate finance were not being acknowledged".

The New York Times

Basic principles.

Insights into Imaging

Basic principles of fluid administration   21.2.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Basic principles include complete debridement and reconstruction.

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Basic principles, process lay-outs and equipment are discussed.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Basic principles in these three major fields are highlighted:.

Electrochimica Acta

Basic principles to guide the development of metallopharmaceuticals are lacking.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Hieroglyphic writing followed four basic principles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I would suggest some basic principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, we teach a few basic principles.

The New York Times - Science

But even basic principles are problematic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, define the "basic principles" early to provide context for more complex explanations or procedures. This helps readers grasp the underlying logic and rationale.

Common error

Avoid using "basic principles" without sufficient context. Always specify which principles you are referring to, or ensure it's clear from the surrounding text. For example, instead of saying "We must adhere to basic principles", specify "We must adhere to the basic principles of accounting" or "We must adhere to the basic principles of ethical conduct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic principles" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the foundational concepts or rules that underpin a particular field, system, or argument. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to introduce or define core ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic principles" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to refer to the foundational concepts or rules of a particular subject or system. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily to establish a shared understanding, and appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. To enhance clarity, always specify the context of the principles you are discussing. Alternatives include "fundamental tenets" and "core concepts", depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid redundancy by not saying "basic fundamental principles".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding principles

Adds "guiding" to emphasize the directive nature.

fundamental tenets

Replaces "principles" with "tenets", emphasizing core beliefs or doctrines.

core concepts

Substitutes "principles" with "concepts", focusing on essential ideas.

essential guidelines

Replaces "principles" with "guidelines", highlighting practical rules or recommendations.

central doctrines

Replaces "principles" with "doctrines", focusing on established beliefs.

foundational elements

Replaces both words to emphasize the base or groundwork nature.

key underpinnings

Replaces "basic principles" with a metaphor for structural support.

primary rules

Substitutes "principles" with "rules", focusing on regulations.

underlying fundamentals

Reorders words and uses a synonym to highlight the foundation.

cornerstone ideas

Uses a metaphor to replace both words emphasizing importance.

FAQs

How do you use "basic principles" in a sentence?

You can use "basic principles" to refer to the fundamental rules or concepts upon which something is based. For example, "The course will cover the "basic principles" of physics" or "Understanding these "basic principles" is crucial for success".

What are some synonyms for "basic principles"?

Alternatives to "basic principles" include "fundamental tenets", "core concepts", "essential guidelines", or "foundational elements". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "basic fundamental principles"?

Yes, saying "basic fundamental principles" can be considered redundant because "basic" and "fundamental" have similar meanings. It's generally better to use just ""basic principles"" or "fundamental principles".

What's the difference between "basic principles" and "general guidelines"?

"Basic principles" refer to foundational concepts, while "general guidelines" are broader recommendations. Principles are often more rigid and foundational, whereas guidelines are more flexible and advisory.