a basic principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"a basic principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to refer to a general, fundamental concept or belief. For example: "The basic principle underlying this argument is that everyone should have access to basic healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A basic principle of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is about a basic principle.

The Guardian

It has forgotten a basic principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Letting bygones be bygones is a basic principle in economics.

The Guardian - Business

"It's a basic principle of the right to know.

The Guardian

That is a basic principle of the common law: the principle of justice and fairness.

The Guardian

A basic principle of toxicology is that the dose makes the poison.

The New York Times

Hang on, is he proposing this as a basic principle of literary composition?

The New Yorker

"We should have honesty in advertising - that's a basic principle of our advertising laws".

Independent

A basic principle of moral psychology is that "morality binds and blinds".

The New York Times

That is a basic principle of economics and antitrust - and it is seemingly irrefutable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic principle", ensure the context clearly establishes what the principle refers to. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic principle" to describe something trivially obvious. The principle should genuinely be fundamental and contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic principle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a fundamental concept or rule that underpins a particular field, argument, or system, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic principle" is a versatile phrase used to introduce foundational concepts and rules across diverse fields. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for a wide range of writing styles. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing "a basic principle", ensure clarity and avoid using it for trivially obvious concepts. Consider using alternative phrases like "a fundamental tenet" or "a core concept" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental tenet

Replaces 'principle' with 'tenet', emphasizing a core belief or doctrine.

a core concept

Shifts from 'principle' to 'concept', highlighting a central idea.

an underlying assumption

Focuses on the foundational belief upon which something is based.

a key element

Highlights the importance of the principle as a necessary component.

a guiding precept

Replaces 'principle' with 'precept', indicating a rule or guideline.

a primary rule

Emphasizes the role of the principle as a governing directive.

a cornerstone of

Highlights that the principle is an essential foundation.

a first principle

Emphasizes that the principle is an irreducible primary assumption.

a central axiom

Replaces 'principle' with 'axiom', indicating a self-evident truth.

the essence of

Shifts the focus to the core nature or most important quality.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a basic principle" in a sentence?

Use "a basic principle" to introduce a foundational concept or rule. For example, "A basic principle of economics is supply and demand".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a basic principle"?

You can use phrases like "a fundamental tenet", "a core concept", or "an underlying assumption" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "a basic principle"?

Not always. Sometimes, the principle is so well-understood that it's implied. However, explicitly stating it can provide clarity, especially in complex discussions.

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

"A basic principle" refers to a foundational concept that governs how something works, while "a general guideline" is a recommended practice that may not be absolutely necessary but is usually helpful.