a longstanding principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a longstanding principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a principle that has been accepted or established for a long time. Example: "The organization adheres to a longstanding principle of transparency in all its dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Its actions, he said, "go against a longstanding principle of the Fed not taking on such an explicit credit risk".

The New York Times

"It is a longstanding principle of the rule of law that inquiries should be independent of those being investigated.

The Guardian

labruxellois says: It is a longstanding principle of the EU that staff children should be educated in their native language.

The Guardian

"It's a longstanding principle that every country has the right to protect itself and defend itself against an unprovoked attack," Mr. Gates said.

The New York Times

Consumer advocates, by contrast, said the court was infringing on a longstanding principle that arbitration agreements must allow "effective vindication" of rights.

The New York Times

Although Sheik Khatib's proposal included a number of conditions, including the release of prisoners, it broke a longstanding principle that Mr. Assad must relinquish power before any talks can begin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Though this is a longstanding rule of thumb in animal cognition research, sometimes referred to as the "principle of conservatism," it is not a principle commonly used in human cognition research.

SEP

This might represent a departure from the longstanding principle that a high court judge cannot be judicially reviewed, although given the unusual circumstances it probably will have little or effect on future decisions in relation to judicially reviewing high court decisions.

The Guardian

Attempts to shield information presented in court from public view must be weighed against the longstanding principle that shining a light on the workings of the judiciary guards against injustice, incompetence or fraud.

Los Angeles Times

Indeed, more than 80 of the signers are either committee chairmen or ranking members of key committees, subcommittees and elected leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives, yet another indication in this post-Cold War era of a growing bipartisan effort to undermine the longstanding principle of the right of self-determination.

Huffington Post

He added, "It is not the function of the Director to make such an announcement," and "the Director ignored another longstanding principle: we do not hold press conferences to release derogatory information about the subject of a declined criminal investigation".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen the impact of "a longstanding principle", provide specific historical context or examples demonstrating its application over time.

Common error

Avoid using "a longstanding principle" if the principle is relatively new or lacks a substantial history. Ensure the principle has been recognized and applied consistently over a significant period to justify the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a longstanding principle" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a principle that has existed for a significant period, providing context and legitimacy. Ludwig provides multiple examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a longstanding principle" is a noun phrase used to describe a principle that has been recognized and applied over a considerable period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage primarily in News & Media and Science contexts. The phrase serves to invoke authority and tradition, adding weight to arguments and decisions. While versatile, it's most effective when the principle's historical basis can be demonstrated. Using alternatives such as "an established principle" or "a traditional principle" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing legal, ethical, or historical matters where the longevity and consistent application of a principle are relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an established principle

Focuses on the acceptance and recognition of the principle over time.

a traditional principle

Highlights the principle's connection to established customs and practices.

a time-honored principle

Emphasizes the respect and value the principle has gained over a long period.

an age-old principle

Stresses the ancient origins and enduring nature of the principle.

a deeply rooted principle

Suggests the principle is firmly embedded in beliefs or practices.

a fundamental tenet

Replaces "principle" with "tenet" to denote a core belief or doctrine.

a basic precept

Uses "precept" as a synonym for principle, implying a rule or guideline.

a long-established rule

Replaces "principle" with "rule" to emphasize a formal guideline.

a classic doctrine

Highlights the historical significance and enduring relevance of the principle.

a customary guideline

Emphasizes the habitual and conventional nature of the principle.

FAQs

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

Use "a longstanding principle" to introduce a well-established idea, rule, or guideline, often in legal, ethical, or philosophical contexts. For example, "The court upheld "a longstanding principle" of due process."

What are some alternatives to saying "a longstanding principle"?

You can use alternatives like "an established principle", "a traditional principle", or "a time-honored principle" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a longstanding principle" and "a general principle"?

"A general principle" refers to a broad, widely applicable rule, while ""a longstanding principle"" emphasizes that the principle has been in use or recognized for a considerable time, implying historical validation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a longstanding principle"?

Use ""a longstanding principle"" when you want to emphasize that a particular principle has a history of acceptance and application, suggesting reliability and authority. Avoid using it if the principle is relatively new or lacks historical support.