Fundamental principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Fundamental principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the basic concepts or foundational ideas that underpin a theory, system, or practice. Example: "The fundamental principles of democracy include equality, freedom, and justice for all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

Environmental Health Perspectives

SEP

Independent

The Guardian - Business

The Guardian

The Guardian - Opinion

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New York Times

The New Yorker

Chemical Engineering Science

Cell

Huffington Post

Advances in Physics

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fundamental principles.

Environmental Health Perspectives

There are two fundamental principles.

SEP

What are the fundamental principles in play?

Independent

The fundamental principles have been adhered to.

The Guardian - Business

These are the fundamental principles of any just society.

The Guardian

The NHS is founded on three fundamental principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, they modified two of Marx's fundamental principles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The framers of the Constitution understood those fundamental principles, and so do the American people.

The New York Times

"Germany will not tamper with the fundamental principles of free movement in the EU," Merkel said.

The Guardian

You can see the falling away from fundamental principles in the degeneration of Hacked Off.

The Guardian - Opinion

2. Legg has decided that "fundamental principles of propriety" are more important than the rules.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental principles", ensure that you clearly define what those principles are within the context of your writing. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental principles" without specifying the specific principles you are referring to. Generic statements can weaken your argument and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental principles" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the basic or essential rules, ideas, or guidelines that underlie a system, theory, or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental principles" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, referring to the core tenets or foundational concepts of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the specific principles to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "basic tenets" or "core doctrines" can be used for variety. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and importance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Basic tenets

Focuses on core beliefs or doctrines, implying a set of established principles.

Core doctrines

Emphasizes the essential teachings or beliefs of a system or organization.

Essential precepts

Highlights the importance and foundational nature of the guiding rules.

Underlying concepts

Stresses the foundational ideas upon which a theory or system is built.

Key foundations

Emphasizes the most important aspects that serve as a base for further development.

Guiding philosophies

Refers to the set of beliefs that influence behavior and thought processes.

Pillars of belief

Implies strong, supportive principles that uphold a system or idea.

Cornerstones

Emphasizes the basic and essential building blocks of a system.

Essential elements

Highlights the most important parts needed for completeness.

Central ideals

Focuses on the core values or beliefs that guide a system.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamental principles" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental principles" to describe the core ideas or rules that underlie a concept or system. For example: "The legal system is based on "fundamental principles" of justice and fairness."

What are some alternatives to "fundamental principles"?

Alternatives include "basic tenets", "core doctrines", or "essential precepts", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "fundamental principles" and "basic principles"?

While similar, "fundamental principles" often implies a more foundational or essential nature than "basic principles". "Fundamental" suggests something indispensable and at the root of a system.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "fundamental principles"?

Use "fundamental principles" when discussing the most important and foundational ideas or rules that underpin a theory, system, or practice. It's suitable for formal writing, academic discussions, and when emphasizing core concepts.