a cornerstone principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cornerstone principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental belief or value that serves as the foundation for a system of thought or behavior. Example: "Honesty is a cornerstone principle of our organization, guiding all our interactions with clients and partners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A cornerstone principle of the New Paradigm is engaged, responsible stewardship of corporations by institutional investors who take an active but measured role in supporting long-term investment by corporations.

Harvard University

We need respect for all to be a cornerstone principle of every school.

Huffington Post

That appears to be a cornerstone principle for the Denver-based musician and his seven hard-working, hard-playing band mates.

Los Angeles Times

Landscape heterogeneity, or diversification of attributes across a particular area, is a cornerstone principle of ecological research on disturbance and ecological change (Pickett and Cadenasso 1995; Turner 1989; Wiens 1995, 2000).

Environmental Management

A cornerstone principle of neurophysiology is the idea that neurons are either intrinsically designed to be selective with respect to the stimuli to which they will respond, or through connections with other units, can be made to be selective [ 1- 4].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Cameron's thinking pivots around a cornerstone Conservative principle "that people who work hard should be able to reach there potential".

Vice

"Advertisers and their agencies are lacking full disclosure as the cornerstone principle of their media management practices," said Bob Liodice, chief executive of the ANA.

The Guardian

But 53 years on, as the rate of incarceration across the country has more than quadrupled and up to 90% of criminal defendants in the US qualify as indigent, this cornerstone principle of the justice system has been eroded to breaking point.

The Guardian

Informed consent is also the cornerstone principle of research ethics (Emanuel et al., 2000).

Protein & Cell

Unlike the Baltic states, which all became NATO members in 2004, Finland and Sweden remain outside the treaty organization and lack the protections provided by NATO's Article 5. Article 5 codifies the cornerstone principle of the alliance: collective defense.

Vice

In a letter made public on Thursday, 20 leading human rights activists condemned the legislation as a blow to "the cornerstone principles of the law: the presumption of innocence and legal certainty".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cornerstone principle", ensure that the principle genuinely serves as a foundational element for the concept you're discussing. Avoid using it for minor or secondary ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "a cornerstone principle" to describe ideas that are merely important or helpful, but not truly fundamental or essential. Using it inaccurately dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cornerstone principle" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, emphasizing its foundational and essential nature. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cornerstone principle" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies a fundamental and essential belief or value. While not exceptionally common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and suggests that its purpose is to emphasize the critical importance of a principle. When employing this phrase, ensure that the principle genuinely serves as a foundational element, and avoid using it for ideas that are merely important but not truly essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the principle.

a key tenet

Highlights the principle as a central belief or doctrine.

a basic precept

Focuses on the principle as a rule or guideline for behavior.

a central doctrine

Emphasizes the principle's role as a core teaching or belief system.

a foundational concept

Stresses the principle's role as a base upon which other ideas are built.

a guiding principle

Highlights the principle's function in directing actions and decisions.

an essential element

Focuses on the necessity and importance of the principle.

a bedrock principle

Implies the principle is a firm and unshakeable foundation.

a cardinal rule

Emphasizes the principle's importance and inviolability.

a prime directive

Highlights the principle as a top priority or instruction.

FAQs

What does "a cornerstone principle" mean?

The phrase "a cornerstone principle" refers to a fundamental and essential belief, idea, or value upon which something is based or established. It signifies something of utmost importance and serves as the foundation for a larger system or structure.

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

You can use "a cornerstone principle" to emphasize the importance of a particular concept. For example, "Integrity is "a cornerstone principle" of our organization's code of conduct."

What are some alternatives to "a cornerstone principle"?

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

Is it correct to use "cornerstone" to describe a principle?

Yes, it is correct. "Cornerstone" is often used metaphorically to describe something essential or fundamental, and it applies well to principles that serve as the foundation for beliefs or actions.