a governing principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a governing principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental rule or guideline that directs behavior or decision-making. Example: "The organization operates under a governing principle of transparency and accountability in all its dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Change We Can Believe In is not a governing principle.

The New York Times

But it's much trickier as a governing principle.

The Washington Post

If Roedeliusmusik has a governing principle, it is spontaneity.

The Guardian - Music

Fluctuating levels of meaning are something of a governing principle for the novel.

The New York Times - Books

It's time to question the originalism that has been a governing principle of constitutional jurisprudence.

The New York Times

As a governing principle, civility has to be far more than a veneer of pleasantries or even the enforcement of another layer of quality-of-life laws.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Is there a common governing principle for mesoscale behavior?

Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering

This is a central governing principle at the core of piloting these new community models of my dreams.

Huffington Post

We also observed a significant governing principle of protein folding in terms of the minimization of the sum of the all pairs shortest path (APSP) for all the residues of the protein.

Plosone

As international law has developed, respecting the sovereignty of other nations has become an important governing principle in limiting prescriptive jurisdiction and preventing overreaching.

Harvard University

Human beings want actionable intelligence, not a relativistic chaos whose governing principle of deconstruction is actually every bit as confining as were all the modernist principles it superseded.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a governing principle", ensure that the principle is clearly defined and consistently applied within the given context. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific examples of how the principle influences decisions or actions.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a governing principle" as the only factor influencing a decision. Acknowledge that other considerations may also play a role, maintaining a balanced and nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a governing principle" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental rule or guideline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show its application in diverse fields such as politics, ethics, and even music.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a governing principle" is a noun phrase used to denote a core rule or guideline that dictates actions and decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially News & Media, Science and Academia. While "a guiding principle" serves as a close alternative, "governing" implies a stronger, more directive influence. When employing this phrase, clarity and consistent application are key to effectively conveying its impact. Avoid overstating its sole influence, acknowledging other contributing factors for a balanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A guiding principle

Replaces "governing" with "guiding", suggesting a less rigid and more directional influence.

A fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the principle.

A key principle

Highlights the importance of the principle.

A core tenet

Uses "tenet" to highlight the principle's role as a belief or doctrine.

A basic precept

Substitutes "principle" with "precept", implying a rule or instruction.

An underlying principle

Focuses on the less visible, foundational aspect of the principle.

A ruling principle

Emphasizes the authoritative power of the principle.

A central concept

Shifts the focus from a rule to a broader idea.

A primary directive

Uses "directive" to emphasize the commanding nature of the principle.

A strategic imperative

Suggests the principle is crucial for achieving strategic goals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a governing principle" to describe a fundamental rule or guideline that directs behavior or decision-making. For example, "Transparency is "a governing principle" in our organization."

What are some alternatives to "a governing principle"?

Some alternatives include "a guiding principle", "a fundamental principle", or "a core tenet", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "governing principle" or "guiding principle"?

Both "governing principle" and "guiding principle" are correct, but "governing" suggests a more authoritative and directive influence, while "guiding" implies a more directional and supportive role. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What is the difference between "a principle" and "a governing principle"?

"A principle" is a general rule or belief. "A governing principle" is a specific principle that directs and controls actions or decisions, making it more influential and decisive.