a central principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a fundamental idea or belief that is essential to a particular theory, system, or argument. Example: "In our organization, a central principle is the commitment to sustainability in all our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make justice a central principle in your affairs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Across the board -- hate crimes  -- we have made sure that that is a central principle of this administration, because I think it's a central principle of America.

The New York Times

But Tasini told the Australian there was a central principle at stake.

The Guardian

And he returned to what was, for him, a central principle.

The New Yorker

The cultivation and maintenance of its support was a central principle of Churchill's thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is not a central principle of Western democracy the subordination of the military to political leadership?

Independent

Control of cell matrix interactions is a central principle for the design of biomaterial in tissue engineering.

FEBS Letters

Indeed, congressional Democrats recently espoused radically increased enforcement on the basis of vertical and conglomer­ate theories as a central principle of their "Better Deal" platform.

Columbia University

Although asking questions is a central principle of European culture and modernity, in this case questioning appears to be all but forbidden.

The Guardian

This pragmatic value has made optimal weighting a central principle in a variety of computational models on multisensory integration7,8,9.

Nature

Further, one would be hard pressed to identify any major political tradition that doesn't claim liberty as a central principle or which doesn't advocate certain forms of authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize using "a central principle" when introducing foundational concepts in academic papers, policy documents, or strategic reports for increased clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a central principle" to describe ideas that are merely preferences or minor considerations. Reserve it for truly fundamental concepts to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central principle" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a fundamental concept or core belief. It's commonly used to highlight an idea's importance within a system, theory, or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central principle" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, employed to introduce a fundamental concept across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. While versatile, its formality leans toward neutral to formal settings. When writing, ensure the principle genuinely represents a core idea supported by evidence. Alternatives include "a core tenet" or "a fundamental concept". Be cautious not to overstate the importance of ideas by labeling them as "a central principle" if they're merely minor considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core tenet

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the belief or idea.

a fundamental concept

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the idea.

a key principle

Focuses on the importance and significance of the principle.

a basic premise

Stresses the underlying assumption or foundation.

a primary axiom

Highlights the self-evident and foundational nature of the statement.

a guiding principle

Implies that the principle provides direction or influence.

a main precept

Focuses on a rule or guideline for conduct.

a cornerstone of

Emphasizes the importance of something that other things depend on.

a critical foundation

Highlights that something is the base for future development.

an essential element

Focuses on the indispensable quality of the part or feature.

FAQs

What does "a central principle" mean?

The phrase "a central principle" refers to a fundamental or essential idea that serves as the basis for a system, theory, or belief. It's a core concept that other ideas and actions are built upon.

How can I use "a central principle" in a sentence?

You can use "a central principle" to introduce a core concept. For example: "Justice is "a central principle" of our legal system" or "Sustainability is "a central principle" guiding our company's operations".

What are some alternatives to "a central principle"?

Alternatives to "a central principle" include "a core tenet", "a fundamental concept", or "a key principle". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a central principle" in informal writing?

While "a central principle" is suitable for formal writing, it can also be used in informal contexts when discussing important or foundational ideas. However, simpler terms might be preferred for everyday conversation.