a certain principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific principle that is not explicitly named or when the speaker assumes the reader understands which principle is being discussed. Example: "In our discussion about ethics, we must adhere to a certain principle that guides our decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

These tea parties strike me as off-base, in some respects, though they evoke a certain principle that rings true, or at least possibly true.

The New York Times

"It is about a certain principle that there cannot be an institution that has an opinion that comes about in a professional manner, as opposed to a political or diplomatic manner".

The New York Times

In theory, the propagation of radio signal is regulated by a certain principle.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As is well known, Rawls starts by ascribing to the utilitarian the claim that the rationality of a certain principle of social choice can be inferred from the rationality of a certain principle of individual choice.

SEP

At least some of Heyd's language suggests that he accepts a certain principle that, to be sure, implies intuition (2) but also goes well beyond intuition (2).

SEP

Granted, the odds of me playing BioShock 2's multi-player mode are right around zero, so it's not a huge deal, but there is a certain principle at stake here: why the heck should I have to buy and pre-order, no less!—the game from GameStop to get access to the entire game?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Greeks interpreted combustion in terms of philosophical doctrines, one of which was that a certain "inflammable principle" was contained in all combustible bodies and this principle escaped when the body was burned to react with air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather, we are practically rational agents primarily because we can assess the various impulses to act by appeal to a "certain general principle" or law – this law consisting, in Reid's view, in the rational principles of action.

SEP

/ Work exists only because of the total domination of a certain economic principle.

The New Yorker

Communitarians can reply by casting doubt on the view that choice is intrinsically valuable, that a certain moral principle or communal attachment is more valuable simply because it has been chosen following deliberation among alternatives by an individual subject.

SEP

The refinement of equilibria should follow a certain rational principle; thus, a reasonable approach for refinement, as used in many concepts, is to select an equilibrium that is 'stable' to a slight perturbation caused by uncertainty in the game.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain principle", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand which principle you are referring to, even if it's not explicitly named. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain principle" repeatedly without providing sufficient context or clarification. Overusing the phrase can make your writing vague and less informative. If the principle is central to your argument, it's better to define it clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain principle" functions as a noun phrase that refers to a specific, though perhaps unspecified, rule, belief, or guideline. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from political discourse to philosophical arguments, as explained by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain principle" is a noun phrase used to denote a specific, yet possibly unnamed, guiding rule or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds prominence in news, media, and science, indicating a neutral to professional register. The key is to provide adequate context when employing the phrase, ensuring clarity for the reader. Related phrases like "a specific doctrine" or "a definite rule" can offer alternative ways to express this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular tenet

Replaces "principle" with "tenet", emphasizing a belief or doctrine held as true.

a specific doctrine

Substitutes "principle" with "doctrine", highlighting a specific teaching or set of beliefs.

a definite rule

Replaces "principle" with "rule", focusing on a specific regulation or guideline.

a given standard

Changes "principle" to "standard", emphasizing a specific level of quality or achievement.

a precise guideline

Replaces "principle" with "guideline", focusing on a specific recommendation for action.

a set principle

Emphasizes that the principle is established or fixed.

an established rule

Highlights the rule's formal acceptance and long-standing existence.

a fundamental belief

Replaces principle with belief and highlights the fundamental nature of it.

a basic premise

Uses "premise" instead of "principle", referring to a foundational assumption.

a core value

Highlights the principle as a central and important belief.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain principle" when you want to refer to a specific, though perhaps unnamed, guiding rule. For example, "The decision was made based on "a certain principle" of fairness."

What can I say instead of "a certain principle"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular tenet", "a specific doctrine", or "a definite rule" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain principle" rather than naming the principle directly?

It's appropriate when the specific principle is understood within the context or when you want to avoid explicitly stating the principle for strategic reasons. Naming it directly offers more clarity, while using "a certain principle" can create a sense of mystery or shared understanding.

Is "a certain principle" formal or informal language?

"A certain principle" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing will influence the perception of formality.