Stand by your principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Stand by your principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to remain true to their beliefs or values, especially in challenging situations. Example: "Even when faced with criticism, it's important to stand by your principles and not compromise your values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Stand by your principles," he said.

Huffington Post

Stand by your principles.

WikiHow

When you stand by your principles, you get stronger.

The New York Times

"You have to stand by your principles, that's all".

The New York Times

You have to learn to stand by your principles; it's wrong to believe you have to bribe your way to success.

Harvard Business Review

Nike may yet prove the opposite of what Bernbach said: that in this day and age, it is possible for you to stand by your principles and make money at the same time.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I will toast your health and give you that knowing wink, because you stood by your principles and saved the Republic.

Huffington Post

Although the equitable division of community property can sometimes mitigate the harsh application of this law, Texas may be the state which best personifies Tammy Wynette's famous song Stand by Your Man as a marriage principle for many women.

Huffington Post

And finally, we have to stand by our principles.

The New York Times

On Europe and immigration Labour must stand by its principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That said, we will continue to stand by our principles in terms of nurturing young talent.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "Stand by your principles" to encourage someone to remain true to their beliefs, even when facing challenges or opposition.

Common error

Be mindful of contexts where flexibility and compromise are necessary; blindly "stand by your principles" without considering consequences can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Stand by your principles" functions as an imperative, offering a strong suggestion or command. It’s intended to encourage or advise someone to maintain their convictions and values. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Stand by your principles" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that encourages adherence to one's values. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s most commonly found in news and media, and wiki contexts. While the phrase is generally commendable, it's important to consider the context and potential consequences, as rigid adherence can sometimes be detrimental. Alternatives such as "uphold your values" or "stay true to your beliefs" offer similar sentiments with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Uphold your values

Focuses on actively maintaining and defending one's values.

Stay true to your beliefs

Emphasizes consistency and authenticity in one's convictions.

Adhere to your convictions

Highlights a firm and unwavering commitment to one's beliefs.

Remain faithful to your ideals

Stresses loyalty and dedication to one's guiding principles.

Keep your standards high

Implies maintaining a strong moral compass and ethical conduct.

Don't compromise your values

Focuses on resisting external pressure to abandon one's principles.

Hold fast to your principles

Suggests clinging tightly to one's beliefs in the face of adversity.

Defend your principles

Highlights the active protection of one's beliefs against opposition.

Be steadfast in your convictions

Emphasizes unwavering and resolute adherence to one's beliefs.

Maintain your integrity

Focuses on upholding moral and ethical principles in all actions.

FAQs

What does it mean to "stand by your principles"?

To "stand by your principles" means to uphold and defend your beliefs and values, even when facing challenges or opposition. It implies a commitment to integrity and moral conviction.

When is it appropriate to "stand by your principles"?

It's appropriate to "stand by your principles" when faced with ethical dilemmas, moral compromises, or situations where your values are being challenged. However, it's also important to consider the potential consequences and be open to compromise when necessary.

What are some alternative ways to say "stand by your principles"?

You can use alternatives like "uphold your values", "stay true to your beliefs", or "adhere to your convictions", depending on the context.

Is it always good to "stand by your principles"?

While it's generally admirable to "stand by your principles", there may be situations where flexibility and compromise are necessary for the greater good. Blindly adhering to principles without considering the consequences can sometimes lead to unfavorable outcomes.