a central principle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a central principle of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that a particular idea or concept is an important idea that other ideas are based on. For example, "Fairness is a central principle of democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

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

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

The Guardian

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

It is time for a new settlement which recognises that free movement is a central principle of the EU, but it cannot be a completely unqualified one".

The Guardian

Last October, he told the Commons that "fairness" would be a central principle of his spending cuts: "We are all in this together".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We also submit the hunch that comity may most likely be employed as a central principle for further aspects of the coordination of international adjudication, for instance informing the sound use of analogical reasoning and precedent-borrowing process.

Cornell University

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

FEBS Letters

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

Nature

That evolution be appreciated as a vital, unifying, and central principle of science; that evolution be no longer misunderstood as religiously, morally, and socially pernicious; and that it be realized that the integrity of science education requires the teaching of evolution properly, effectively, and without compromise: these are three wishes for Genie.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central principle of", ensure that the principle you are referring to is indeed fundamental and widely recognized within the context you are discussing. This enhances the clarity and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a central principle of" for ideas that are merely preferences or minor considerations. Reserve it for genuinely foundational concepts to maintain the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central principle of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It identifies and emphasizes a foundational concept that is of paramount importance to a particular field, theory, or system. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and widely applicable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central principle of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the fundamental importance of a concept across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. When writing, ensure that you reserve it for concepts that are genuinely foundational. Ludwig's data shows that it appears very frequently in contexts like News & Media, Science and Academia. Consider using alternatives like "a key principle of" or "a fundamental tenet of" to fine-tune your meaning. Be aware of the register. Use this phrase when you need to add weight and substance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key principle of

Replaces "central" with "key", emphasizing importance.

a fundamental tenet of

Uses "tenet" instead of "principle", suggesting a foundational belief.

a core belief of

Focuses on the belief aspect rather than a general principle.

a basic concept of

Emphasizes the conceptual aspect, suitable when discussing understanding.

an essential element of

Shifts from principle to element, highlighting necessity.

a primary component of

Uses "component" to indicate a constituent part of a system.

a guiding idea behind

Focuses on the role of the principle as a guide or inspiration.

a main consideration for

Highlights the principle as something to be considered.

a critical aspect of

Emphasizes the importance of the principle as an aspect of something.

a vital component of

Changes "central" to "vital", emphasizing the necessity of the component.

FAQs

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

Use "a central principle of" to highlight a fundamental idea or concept that underpins a system, theory, or practice. For example, "Fairness is "a central principle of" justice".

What are some alternatives to using "a central principle of" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a key principle of", "a fundamental tenet of", or "a core belief of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "a central principle of" and "an important principle of"?

"A central principle of" suggests that the principle is fundamental and essential to a system or idea, while "an important principle of" simply indicates that the principle is significant but not necessarily foundational.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a central principle of"?

The phrase "a central principle of" is most appropriate in academic, scientific, or formal writing where you need to emphasize the foundational nature of a concept or idea. It is also suitable in news and media when discussing core values or doctrines.