a basic principle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic principle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fundamental concepts or rules that govern a particular subject or field. Example: "Transparency is a basic principle of effective communication in any organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A basic principle of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"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

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

A basic principle of sound public health management is to have scientists inform and interpret what has happened promptly.

The New York Times

"All countries should respect China's sovereignty and this is a basic principle of governing international relations," Wang said.

The Guardian

LOVE INC. "Corporations are people, too — it's a basic principle of corporate law," Adam Freedman writes in Corporate Counsel.

The New York Times

He might never admit it, but Trump has belatedly discovered a basic principle of politics: words matter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic principle of", ensure that the principle you are referencing is genuinely fundamental to the topic at hand. Avoid using the phrase for minor or less critical aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic principle of" to describe self-evident or overly simplistic concepts. Reserve it for ideas that genuinely serve as building blocks for understanding a subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic principle of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, introducing a fundamental rule, concept, or tenet that is essential to understanding a specific subject or area. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a basic principle of" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a fundamental concept or rule. Ludwig AI confirms it's appropriate for use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the principle is truly fundamental and avoid overuse in simplistic contexts. Alternatives include "a fundamental aspect of" and "a core tenet of", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Remember to reserve this phrase for ideas that genuinely serve as building blocks for understanding a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental aspect of

Changes the noun to 'aspect', implying a part or feature of something rather than a guiding rule.

a core tenet of

Replaces 'principle' with 'tenet', suggesting a belief or doctrine held as true.

a key element of

Substitutes 'principle' with 'element', emphasizing a necessary component.

an essential component of

Emphasizes that something is indispensable and vital.

a cornerstone of

Uses 'cornerstone' metaphorically, referring to something essential on which everything else depends.

a foundational concept of

Replaces 'principle' with 'concept', highlighting an idea or theory.

a primary rule of

Specifies that the principle is a rule or guideline that should be followed.

a central idea of

Focuses on the idea that is most important or essential.

a guiding precept of

Substitutes 'principle' with 'precept', implying a rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

a fundamental truth of

Presents the principle as an undeniable and essential fact.

FAQs

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

Use "a basic principle of" to introduce a fundamental concept or rule that underlies a particular field or area of knowledge. For instance, "Honesty is "a basic principle of" ethical journalism".

What are some alternatives to "a basic principle of"?

You can use alternatives like "a fundamental aspect of", "a core tenet of", or "a key element of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "a basic principle of basics"?

Yes, saying "a basic principle of basics" is generally redundant. It's better to simply state the basic principle directly or rephrase to avoid the repetition. For example: "Simplicity is "a basic principle of" design".

When should I use "a basic principle of" versus "the basic principle of"?

"A basic principle of" is used when introducing one of several fundamental principles. "The basic principle of" is used when referring to a single, overarching principle that is central to a subject.