a basic tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic tenet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental principle or belief that is widely accepted within a particular context or field. Example: "One of the basic tenets of democracy is the importance of free and fair elections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Loyalty is a basic tenet of fandom.

The New Yorker

It is a basic tenet of economics.

The New York Times

There's a basic tenet of Hollywood screenwriting.

The Guardian - Film

It sounds simple, obvious, a basic tenet of receiving.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a basic tenet of human rights and Islam.

The New York Times

That upset the workers because it struck at a basic tenet of unionism: seniority preferences.

The New York Times

A basic tenet of Dr. Levine's was that no child should ever be humiliated.

The New York Times

A basic tenet of Islam is that Muhammad was the final prophet.

The New York Times

"Certainly it's a very difficult situation when a reporter violates a basic tenet of our profession".

The New York Times

The new republic, the United States of America, acknowledgedfreedom as a basic tenet of human experience.

The New York Times - Books

Explaining the past to shape the future is a basic tenet of any mature political process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a basic tenet" when you want to emphasize that a principle is fundamental and widely accepted within a specific field or belief system. For instance, "A basic tenet of economics is that supply and demand influence prices."

Common error

Avoid using "a basic tenet" excessively in your writing. While accurate, frequent repetition can make your writing sound formulaic. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "fundamental principle" or "core belief" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic tenet" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object. It identifies a fundamental principle or belief within a specific context. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic tenet" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that identifies a fundamental principle or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable and common across a variety of sources, with the most frequent being news and media. The linguistic analysis suggests that the phrase functions as a noun phrase, is employed to establish or reaffirm foundational principles, and has a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to use it to emphasize fundamental principles, but avoid overusing it to keep your content engaging. Consider alternatives like "fundamental principle" or "core belief" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundational tenet

Replaces "basic" with "foundational", emphasizing the fundamental and essential nature of the principle.

a core principle

Substitutes "tenet" with "principle", a closely related term indicating a fundamental truth or proposition.

a fundamental concept

Replaces "tenet" with "concept", broadening the scope to include abstract ideas.

a key principle

Replaces "basic tenet" with "key principle", to highlight the importance of the principle.

a primary tenet

Replaces "basic" with "primary", emphasizing the importance or priority of the tenet.

a basic precept

Replaces "tenet" with "precept", focusing on a rule or guideline that regulates behavior or thought.

a fundamental assumption

Substitutes "tenet" with "assumption", highlighting the underlying belief upon which something is based.

a basic premise

Replaces "tenet" with "premise", focusing on a proposition that supports a conclusion.

a central tenet

Replaces "basic" with "central", emphasizing the importance or centrality of the tenet.

a guiding principle

Replaces "basic tenet" with "guiding principle", shifting the focus to a principle that provides direction or guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basic tenet" to describe a fundamental principle or belief. For example, "Respect for others is "a basic tenet" of our community values."

What are some alternatives to "a basic tenet"?

Some alternatives to "a basic tenet" include "a fundamental principle", "a core belief", or "a foundational concept". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a basic tenet" in formal writing?

Yes, "a basic tenet" is suitable for formal writing. It is often used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts to describe essential principles and beliefs.

What is the difference between "a basic tenet" and "a common belief"?

"A basic tenet" refers to a fundamental principle within a structured system of thought or belief, while "a common belief" is simply a widely held opinion or idea that doesn't necessarily have the same level of importance. "A basic tenet" is more deeply ingrained and essential to the structure of a belief system.