a central tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central tenet" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a core belief or principle of a particular system or ideology. For example, "Honesty had always been a central tenet of their family's way of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A central tenet in the current debate is that centralism is good and fragmentation is bad.

The New York Times

Belief in evolution is a central tenet of that religion.

Cornell University

Closure of wounds is a central tenet of reconstructive surgery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No wonder it formed a central tenet of his thinking.

Independent

He said public service was a central tenet of patriotism.

The New York Times

A central tenet of American conservatism is to decentralise power.

The Economist

He also later disavowed a central tenet of the deal.

The New York Times

A central tenet of molecular biology is that heritable information is stored in nucleic acids.

Stanford University

But that trend, a central tenet of the nation's success mythology, has slackened, particularly for minorities.

Harvard University

Self-monitoring is a central tenet of both behavioral and cognitive therapy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Manuel Zelaya did not respect the principle of horizontal accountability--a central tenet in liberal democracies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a central tenet" to introduce an idea that is crucial for understanding the subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a central tenet" to describe minor or niche beliefs. The phrase implies a core, foundational principle that is widely recognized and accepted within a particular context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central tenet" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a core principle or belief within a specific system, philosophy, or ideology. It is used to introduce fundamental concepts, as Ludwig AI confirms with numerous examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

26%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central tenet" refers to a fundamental principle or belief that is essential to a specific system or ideology. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. Its primary function is to establish the foundational importance of an idea, making it crucial to use the phrase accurately and in appropriate contexts. When incorporating this phrase, remember to focus on genuinely core principles rather than minor aspects. Alternatives such as "a core principle" or "a fundamental belief" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core principle

Focuses on the foundational nature of the principle.

a fundamental belief

Emphasizes the belief aspect of the tenet.

a key doctrine

Highlights the authoritative nature of the teaching.

a basic precept

Stresses the guiding nature of the rule.

a primary axiom

Focuses on the self-evident nature of the truth.

a cornerstone of thought

Implies that the tenet is a foundational idea on which other ideas are based.

an essential element

Highlights that the tenet is a necessary component of the whole.

a guiding principle

Focuses on the directive nature of the tenet.

an integral part

Highlights that the tenet is an essential piece.

a cardinal point

Stresses the importance and fundamental nature of the idea.

FAQs

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

Use "a central tenet" to introduce a fundamental belief or principle that is essential to a particular system or way of thinking. For example, "Honesty is "a central tenet" of ethical business practices".

What are some synonyms for "a central tenet"?

Alternatives include "a core principle", "a fundamental belief", or "a key doctrine". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "the central tenet is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "the central tenet is". For example, "The central tenet of this philosophy is that all beings are interconnected".

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

"A central tenet" refers to a fundamental principle within a system or ideology, while "a common belief" is simply a widespread idea that may not be foundational or essential to a particular system.