a fundamental principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fundamental principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in order to refer to a fundamental or basic idea that shapes a particular area of knowledge or activity. For example, "One of the fundamental principles of physics is that energy can be neither created nor destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The separation of church and state had long been a fundamental principle in Australia, they said.

The Guardian

Never has a fundamental principle come to sound so hollow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Javid says there is a "fundamental principle" here.

The Guardian

He has a fundamental principle: we don't leave troops behind.

The Guardian

This is a fundamental principle of human rights.

The Guardian

"There is a fundamental principle at stake," said Dieter.

The Guardian

This is a fundamental principle of our Union.

Independent

"After seeing the Iron Lady I realised there is a fundamental principle of common decency.

The Guardian

"People have begun to realize a fundamental principle," Mr. Monahan said.

The New York Times

"I am guided by a fundamental principle that law is better than war," he said.

The New York Times

There is a fundamental principle of British democracy at stake in this issue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the "fundamental principle" you are referring to is clearly defined and its relevance to the context is immediately apparent to the reader. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements.

Common error

Avoid presenting a commonly known fact as "a fundamental principle". The phrase carries weight; reserve it for truly foundational ideas, not mere observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental principle" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a core, foundational idea or belief that underpins a system, argument, or field of study, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental principle" is a noun phrase used to highlight a core, foundational idea or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse sources, including news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, ensure the principle is clearly defined and relevant. Consider alternatives like "a basic tenet" or "a core belief" for nuanced meaning. While generally formal, it appears in neutral contexts and should be reserved for truly foundational concepts, avoiding overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bedrock principle

Adds 'bedrock' to emphasize the unwavering and fundamental nature of the principle.

a basic tenet

Replaces 'principle' with 'tenet', implying a foundational belief or doctrine.

a core belief

Substitutes 'principle' with 'belief', emphasizing a strongly held conviction.

a foundational concept

Replaces 'principle' with 'concept', highlighting the idea's role as a basis for understanding.

a central precept

Uses 'precept' instead of 'principle', suggesting a rule or guideline.

an essential element

Shifts from a principle to an element that is absolutely needed.

a cardinal rule

Replaces 'principle' with 'rule', focusing on a governing guideline that cannot be broken.

a guiding philosophy

Changes 'principle' to 'philosophy', indicating a broader, more comprehensive belief system.

a cornerstone of

Metaphorically positions the idea as the foundation upon which something else is built.

a primary axiom

Replaces principle with 'axiom', highlighting its self-evident truth.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a fundamental principle" in a sentence?

Use "a fundamental principle" to introduce core concepts or beliefs that underlie a system, argument, or philosophy. Ensure the principle is clearly stated and its importance is evident within the context.

What are some alternatives to using "a fundamental principle"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a basic tenet", "a core belief", or "a foundational concept" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state that something is "a fundamental principle"?

No, sometimes the context implies the foundational nature of an idea. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact; use it judiciously when you want to emphasize the critical importance of a concept.

How does "a fundamental principle" differ from a general guideline?

"A fundamental principle" implies a core truth or belief that underpins a system or idea, whereas a guideline is a more flexible recommendation or best practice. Principles are less likely to change or be adapted than guidelines.