a basic precept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic precept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental principle or rule that guides behavior or thought. Example: "One of the basic precepts of our organization is to always act with integrity in all our dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In doing so, he ignores a basic precept of modern music: it's about escape.

The New York Times

In any event, it is a basic precept of revised U.S. strategy in Afghanistan that international forces cannot "capture and kill" their way to victory.

The New Yorker

In order to design a curriculum that teaches what truly matters, educators should remember a basic precept of modern developmental science: developmental precursors don't always resemble the skill to which they are leading.

The New York Times

"Shareholders have been demanding this information for some time" said Robert J. Jackson Jr. a law professor at Columbia University who helped write the original petition to the S.E.C. "It's a basic precept of American securities law that shareholders should be given the information they need to evaluate their companies".

The New York Times

As a basic precept, getting out of the way of innovation is generally a good thing.

Forbes

The degree of alignment and density can be increased simultaneously by increasing the fiber-winding rate, which is a basic precept for the processing of commercial polymer fiber.

Nano-Micro Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Here we present a story that highlights this basic precept.

Biology Open

For Athey, doing the right thing means hanging on to stocks even when they get pricey, a tactic contrary to the most basic precept of value investing.

Forbes

St . Lukes is not, of course, an original-instruments ensemble, but it was striking what a difference Sir Roger achieved by applying a few basic precepts -- well, one basic precept, playing without vibrato.

The New York Times - Arts

"House demolitions constitute collective punishment, and are contrary to both international law and the basic precept of Israeli law that a person must not be punished for the acts of others," say the group.

Independent

In a struggle to rehabilitate its image since the scandal erupted, Siemens has draped a dense net of rules over the company to familiarize everyone with the basic precept that money-for-business is no longer standard practice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a basic precept" when you want to emphasize that a particular rule or principle is fundamental and widely accepted within a specific field or context. For example, "A basic precept of financial management is to diversify investments."

Common error

Avoid using "a basic precept" in overly casual contexts. It's more appropriate for formal writing or when discussing established principles rather than everyday observations. For example, saying "A basic precept of making coffee is to use fresh beans" might sound overly formal; instead, say "A key to good coffee is fresh beans."

Linguistic Context

A basic precept functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a fundamental principle or rule that serves as a foundation for reasoning or action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. For instance, "It's a basic precept of American securities law...".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic precept" is a noun phrase used to introduce a fundamental principle or rule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is acceptable in a variety of settings, it's best suited for formal or academic writing where establishing a foundational understanding is crucial. Consider using simpler alternatives like ""a fundamental principle"" or ""a core tenet"" in less formal situations. Remember to use "a basic precept" when you want to emphasize the foundational and widely accepted nature of the principle you are introducing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle

Focuses on the foundational aspect, emphasizing a rule's importance and centrality.

a core tenet

Highlights that the principle is a central belief or doctrine.

a basic principle

Omits "precept" for simplicity while retaining the core meaning of a foundational idea.

an underlying assumption

Emphasizes the role of the principle as an unstated belief.

a guiding principle

Highlights the directional aspect of the principle in guiding actions or decisions.

a cardinal rule

Stresses the importance of the rule as being paramount or essential.

a key concept

Focuses on the idea that the principle is an essential element for understanding.

a basic axiom

Indicates the principle is a self-evident truth that requires no proof.

a primary directive

Highlights the authoritative and instructional nature of the principle.

a fundamental law

Emphasizes the principle's status as a binding and universally applicable rule.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic precept" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic precept" to introduce a fundamental principle or rule. For example, "A basic precept of scientific research is to maintain objectivity."

What are some alternatives to "a basic precept"?

Some alternatives include "a fundamental principle", "a core tenet", or "a guiding principle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a basic precept" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a basic precept" is more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "a basic rule" or "a key principle" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a basic precept" and "a general guideline"?

"A basic precept" refers to a foundational, often unquestioned rule or principle. "A general guideline", on the other hand, is a more flexible recommendation or suggestion that may not be as strictly adhered to. "A precept" is more binding than a guideline.