a guiding principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a guiding principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a fundamental belief or rule that influences decisions and actions. Example: "Integrity is a guiding principle in our organization, shaping how we interact with clients and each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a guiding principle.

Independent

Was there a guiding principle?

The New York Times - Food

That became a guiding principle.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a guiding principle for Ariel Sharon.

The New York Times - Books

In Africa listening is a guiding principle.

The New York Times

"I have a guiding principle in life," she went on.

The Guardian

"I have a guiding principle in life," she added.

The Guardian

Continuity of service should be a guiding principle.

The Guardian

"Backward integration" has been a guiding principle for his firm.

The Economist

Even so, as a guiding principle, it was crucial.

Independent

Politicians frequently refer to their Catholic faith as a guiding principle in their decisions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a guiding principle" to introduce a fundamental concept that informs decision-making or behavior within a specific context.

Common error

Avoid stating "a guiding principle" without demonstrating its active influence on the actions or decisions being described. Ensure your examples align with the stated principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a guiding principle" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an object, identifying a rule, belief, or standard that influences actions or decisions. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts, including ethical, legal, and practical considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a guiding principle" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that denotes a foundational belief or rule influencing decisions and actions. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly define the principle and consistently demonstrate its application. Common errors include stating a principle without providing supporting evidence or examples. Alternatives such as "a fundamental principle" or "a core tenet" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle

Replaces "guiding" with "fundamental", emphasizing the foundational nature of the principle.

a core tenet

Substitutes both "guiding" and "principle" to highlight a central belief or doctrine.

a key principle

Emphasizes the importance of the principle in directing actions or decisions.

a basic precept

Uses "precept" to suggest a rule or guideline for conduct, implying a moral dimension.

a central concept

Focuses on the idea as a key element in a system of thought or understanding.

a foundational idea

Highlights the role of the idea in building a structure or argument.

a governing rule

Shifts the emphasis to the regulatory aspect of the principle.

a regulatory standard

Specifies the principle as a benchmark for evaluation and compliance.

a directive principle

Emphasizes the instructional or commanding nature of the principle.

a navigational principle

Presents the principle as a tool for finding one's way or making progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a guiding principle" to introduce a core belief or fundamental rule that influences decisions and actions. For example: "Integrity is "a guiding principle" in our organization".

What are some alternatives to "a guiding principle"?

Alternatives to "a guiding principle" include "a fundamental principle", "a core tenet", or "a key principle", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "a guiding principle" and "a core value"?

"A guiding principle" refers to a specific rule or belief that influences decisions, while "a core value" represents a fundamental belief about what is important or desirable. A core value may inform several guiding principles.

Is it correct to say "guiding principle" without the article "a"?

While "guiding principle" without the article "a" can be used as an adjective (e.g., "guiding principle documents"), using "a guiding principle" is more appropriate when referring to a specific, identifiable principle.