a basic tenet of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic tenet of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental principle or belief that is widely accepted within a particular field or context. Example: "Respect for individual rights is a basic tenet of democratic societies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

Virtualization is a basic tenet of cloud computing.

Cloud Computing Theory and Practice

It's a basic tenet of happiness science: supportive relationships are critical to well-being.

University of California, Berkeley

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

For lung metastases it probably remains a basic tenet of practice for now.

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic tenet of", ensure that the principle you are referring to is genuinely fundamental and widely accepted within the relevant context. Avoid using it for minor or contested points.

Common error

Avoid presenting personal opinions or beliefs as "a basic tenet of" a field or ideology. Ensure that the principle is widely recognized and supported, not just a viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic tenet of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies or describes a fundamental principle or belief that is central to a system, philosophy, or field of study. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a common construction used to introduce key concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic tenet of" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce fundamental principles or core beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various fields, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the principle you're referring to is truly fundamental and not just a personal opinion. Alternatives include phrases like ""a fundamental principle of"" or ""a core belief of"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle of

Replaces "tenet" with "principle", emphasizing a foundational rule or guideline.

a core belief of

Substitutes "tenet" with "belief", highlighting a deeply held conviction or faith.

a cornerstone of

Uses "cornerstone" as a metaphor for a fundamental and essential element.

an essential element of

Replaces "tenet" with "element", emphasizing the indispensable nature of something.

a guiding principle of

Highlights the role of the tenet as a directive or influence.

a primary component of

Emphasizes that the tenet is a key part of a larger structure or system.

a central idea of

Focuses on the tenet as a main thought or concept.

a key aspect of

Highlights the tenet as an important feature or characteristic.

a foundation of

Emphasizes that the tenet serves as the base or support for something else.

a rule of thumb for

Describes a practical and widely accepted guideline.

FAQs

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

Use "a basic tenet of" to introduce a fundamental principle, for example, "Honesty is "a basic tenet of" ethical behavior".

What phrases are similar to "a basic tenet of"?

Similar phrases include "a fundamental principle of", "a core belief of", or "a cornerstone of", each with slightly different connotations.

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

Yes, "a basic tenet of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. It conveys a sense of established knowledge.

What's the difference between "a basic tenet of" and "a common belief of"?

"A basic tenet of" implies a more foundational and established principle within a system or field, while "a common belief of" simply indicates a widely held idea, which may not be as fundamental or universally accepted. In other words, something can be a "common belief" without necessarily being "a basic tenet of" something.