a first principle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first principle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing foundational concepts or fundamental truths in a particular field or discipline. Example: "In philosophy, a first principle of ethics is the concept of the greatest good for the greatest number."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Business pacifism" became a first principle of the Gilded Age.

The New York Times

Underpinning all decision making is a first principle of what the system should look like from the patient perspective.

The Guardian

A first principle of the scientific method is that objectivity should be pursued to the extent possible and that findings should be capable of confirmation by other observers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Guided by a first principle of forward motion, Mr. Baker and his ever-larger collection swept through the first several decades of postwar American art, with occasional attention to Japanese and European artists.

The New York Times

It was a first principle of dramatic writing, said Zeami, to base a play on a well-known incident in which the central character was familiar to the audience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A first principle of the American Religion is that each of us rarely feels free unless he or she is entirely alone, particularly when in the company of the American Jesus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A third principle of machine-gun operation was often called blowback.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transparency is another major obligation under GDPR, which expands the notion that personal data must be lawfully and fairly processed to include a third principle of accountability.

TechCrunch

For this reason, Wiener explicitly adopted a fourth principle of justice to assure that the first three would not be violated.

SEP

Should one accept revelation without using reason to judge whether it is genuine revelation or not, one gets what Locke calls a third principle of assent besides reason and revelation, namely enthusiasm.

SEP

A third principle of irreductionism states that all causality is political.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a first principle of", ensure that the principle you are referring to is indeed a fundamental and foundational concept within its respective field. It should be a principle from which other ideas or actions are derived.

Common error

Avoid using "a first principle of" for concepts that are merely guidelines or best practices rather than truly fundamental laws or truths. Misusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first principle of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a fundamental and foundational concept, rule, or law within a specific discipline or field. It establishes a basis from which other ideas and actions are derived, as showcased by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a first principle of" is a phrase used to introduce a foundational concept or rule within a specific domain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal and scientific contexts. While alternatives like ""a fundamental principle of"" and ""a basic tenet of"" exist, it's crucial to ensure the chosen principle genuinely holds a foundational role to avoid misrepresentation. Primarily found in scientific, news and media, and encyclopedic sources, this phrase conveys the essential and non-negotiable nature of an idea, making it a powerful tool for establishing a basis for reasoning and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle of

Replaces "first" with "fundamental", emphasizing the essential nature of the principle.

a basic tenet of

Uses "tenet" instead of "principle", suggesting a core belief or doctrine.

a core principle of

Emphasizes the centrality of the principle.

a primary principle of

Substitutes "first" with "primary", highlighting the importance of the principle.

a foundational principle of

Replaces "first" with "foundational", stressing the principle's role as a base or groundwork.

an underlying principle of

Focuses on the principle's role as a foundation that isn't always obvious.

a key principle of

Highlights the importance of the principle in achieving a specific outcome.

a guiding principle of

Stresses the role of the principle in directing actions or decisions.

a leading principle of

Emphasizes the principle's role as a leader or guide.

a cardinal principle of

Uses "cardinal" to indicate the principle's supreme importance.

FAQs

How can I use "a first principle of" in a sentence?

You can use "a first principle of" to introduce a foundational concept or rule within a specific field. For example, "A first principle of thermodynamics is the conservation of energy."

What phrases are similar to "a first principle of"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental principle of", "a basic tenet of", or "a core principle of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the first principle of" instead of "a first principle of"?

Both "a first principle of" and "the first principle of" can be grammatically correct, but they have slightly different implications. "A first principle of" implies one of several first principles, while "the first principle of" suggests a single, most important principle.

What is the difference between "a first principle of" and "a general principle of"?

"A first principle of" refers to a foundational concept or rule, whereas "a general principle of" is a more broadly applicable guideline or rule that may not be as fundamental.