a key principle for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key principle for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an important guideline or fundamental concept related to a specific topic or area. Example: "Transparency is a key principle for effective communication in any organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Enforcing obligate coupling of growth with synthesis of a desired product has become a key principle for metabolic engineering of microbial production strains.

Metabolic Engineering

The quartet's decision to engage all the parties demonstrated the need for inclusion rather than exclusion – a key principle for pluralist democracy and for prospects of a smooth democratic transition, in Tunisia or elsewhere.

The Guardian

Hall added: "The protection of sources is a key principle for all journalism – from broadcasters to newspapers – and for that reason the BBC will not be providing details about the source.

The Guardian

In his contribution to the second reading debate, veteran campaigner Lord Rix acknowledged that "freedom" was a key principle for academies, but questioned how that fitted with "accountability to parents of SEN children".

The Guardian

Pacifism was also a key principle for John Paul, and when it came to preserving power in his own domain, authoritarianism was his watchword rather than the protection of freedom.

The Guardian

Sustaining adequate environmental flows (e-flows) is a key principle for maintaining river biodiversity and ecosystem health, and for supporting sustainable water resource management in basins under intensive human activities.

Journal of Hydrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In genetic testing for adults, autonomy of choice is a key principle; people must decide for themselves whether they want to know their genetic make-up or predisposition for disease.

BMC Pediatrics

For years, Jewish women have been fighting for a key principle: that a get should not be used as a bargaining chip in divorce litigation and custody and financial disputes.

The New York Times

Those three were able to grasp a key principle relating to the "hunt" for ideas (which is how Thomas Edison described the search for solutions).

Forbes

The framework included no tax hikes, a key principle that Republicans have been fighting for since Day 1.

The Washington Post

We focused on the phylogenetic evolution of leaf mimicry patterns, for which a key principle is the 'body plan' or 'ground plan', referring to the structural composition of organisms by homologous elements shared across species [ 20].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key principle for", ensure that the principle you're referring to is genuinely central to the concept being discussed, not just a supporting detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a key principle for" when the principle is not truly essential. Using it for minor or obvious points dilutes its impact and can make your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key principle for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an essential guideline or concept relevant to a particular context or purpose. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often used to introduce core ideas in various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key principle for" is a useful phrase for highlighting essential concepts or guidelines, as determined by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across diverse fields, including science, news, and formal business contexts. To maximize impact, make sure that the principle that you are referring to is in fact important in order to prevent overstatement. Remember that alternatives such as "a core tenet of" or "an essential concept for" may be more suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core tenet of

Changes the adjective "key" to "core" and replaces principle with a synonym "tenet".

an essential concept for

Replaces the word "principle" with "concept" and "key" with "essential" to denote necessity.

a fundamental guideline for

Substitutes "principle" with "guideline" and "key" with "fundamental", indicating a basic rule.

a crucial element in

Shifts from principle to "element" emphasizing a component, and uses "in" instead of "for".

a vital component of

Replaces "principle" with "component" and uses "of" instead of "for", indicating an integral part.

an important foundation for

Uses the noun "foundation" instead of "principle", indicating a base or groundwork.

a significant factor in

Replaces "principle" with "factor" and changes preposition to "in", focusing on influence.

a basic rule for

Uses the term "rule" instead of "principle", implying a regulation to be followed.

the cornerstone of

Employs "cornerstone" to emphasize the primary importance of the underlying element.

the basis for

Highlights that something acts as "basis", meaning that something provides the foundation.

FAQs

How do I use "a key principle for" in a sentence?

Use "a key principle for" to highlight a fundamental concept or guideline that is essential for a particular purpose or area. For example, "Transparency is "a key principle for" building trust with stakeholders".

What are some alternatives to saying "a key principle for"?

You can use alternatives such as "a core tenet of", "an essential concept for", or "a fundamental guideline for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a key principle of" or "a key principle for"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "a key principle for" is typically used to indicate the principle's relevance or necessity to achieving a specific outcome or goal. "A key principle of" describes the inherent characteristics of something.

When is it inappropriate to use "a key principle for"?

Avoid using "a key principle for" when discussing minor or obvious points. It's best reserved for truly essential concepts that are fundamental to the topic at hand. Do not use it when the principle isn't the real key.