a central tenet of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a central tenet of' is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to mean the most important or fundamental principle underlying something. For example, "Peace and cooperation are a central tenet of a successful society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times - Magazine

A central tenet of Christianity is that all of us are born into sin.

The New York Times

A central tenet of Japanese Buddhism is the concept of esho funi.

The New York Times - Arts

A belief that the endtimes are imminent is a central tenet of the Christian Right.

The Guardian - Books

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

The New York Times

Meanwhile, when applied to youths, the laws undercut a central tenet of the juvenile justice system.

The New York Times - Magazine

Giving to charity is a central tenet of Islam and a tradition during Ramadan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the principle you're describing is genuinely fundamental and not merely an important aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "a central tenet of" for minor or secondary aspects. This phrase should be reserved for the most crucial and foundational principles, not just any important element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central tenet of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, introducing a core principle, belief, or doctrine that is fundamental to a particular system, ideology, or practice. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a commonly used phrase. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its application across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central tenet of" is a commonly used phrase to highlight a fundamental principle or belief within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its usage spans across various fields including news, science, and encyclopedias, emphasizing its versatility and broad applicability. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for genuinely foundational principles to maintain clarity and impact. Related phrases such as "a core belief of" or "a fundamental aspect of" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central principle of

Focuses on a guiding rule or fundamental truth.

a core belief of

Highlights the deeply held conviction or faith.

a fundamental aspect of

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of something.

a key component of

Indicates a necessary part or element of a larger whole.

a cornerstone of

Suggests a foundational element upon which something is built.

an integral part of

Highlights the essential and inseparable nature of something.

a basic premise of

Focuses on an assumption or starting point for reasoning.

a guiding principle of

Emphasizes the directional or directive nature of the belief.

an essential element of

Highlights the crucial and indispensable nature of something.

a primary doctrine of

Focuses on a specific teaching or belief within a system of thought.

FAQs

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

Use "a central tenet of" to introduce a core principle, belief, or doctrine. For example, "A central tenet of democracy is the protection of individual rights."

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

Alternatives include "a core belief of", "a fundamental aspect of", or "a key component of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can say, "The central tenet is..." to directly state the core principle you're referring to. For instance, "The central tenet is that all individuals are created equal."

What's the difference between "a central tenet of" and "a key aspect of"?

"A central tenet of" emphasizes a foundational, non-negotiable principle, whereas "a key aspect of" simply highlights an important feature or characteristic. A tenet is more fundamental and integral.