a principal concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a principal concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a key idea or fundamental principle within a particular context or subject matter. Example: "In our discussion of ethics, a principal concept is the idea of moral responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our present and recent study (11) may also provide the basis for the pursuit of a principal concept to the design of a single-port treatment system.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The television series comedy My Eldest Girl Should Get Married, which premièred on CCTV-8, that revolves around the principal concept of sheng nu as a family frantically searches for a prospective spouse of the main character who is in her 30s.

Wikipedia

The principal concept in TPWL procedure is to use a Taylor expansion around previously saved states during preprocessing runs (or so-called training runs) and to find a linear model which best represents the original model.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The principal concept of metabolomics being able to find some metabolites differing in a control and a type 2 diabetic group is established.

Plosone

Beach profile equilibrium is the principal concept assumed by most numerical modelling.

Geomorphology

The principal concept for linear GP is to the original multiple objectives into specific numeric goal for each objective.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

The principal concept is to analyze the autonomous dynamics and to use its properties in the design of an optimal state-space trajectory.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The principal concept of strut-and-tie model (STM), the experimental phenomena of diagonal crack patterns, and strain distribution of longitudinal bars in shear span are considered.

Engineering Structures

The timing and extent of surgery may vary, as well as the method of closing, between different burn centers, but the principal concept is almost the same.

Critical Care

SOC, the principal concept of salutogenesis introduced by Antonovsky in 1987 [ 5], consists of an important health promoting resource that induces a positive perceived state of well being [ 6].

BMC Psychiatry

24 26 In response to the various demands of multimorbidity, GPs recognised the importance of delivering patient-centred care, which incorporated two principal concepts: an individualised management and a generalist approach.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a principal concept", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific domain or field to which the concept belongs to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "principal", which means main or primary, with "principle", which refers to a fundamental rule or belief. For example, use "principal concept" to describe a main idea, and "ethical principle" for a moral guideline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a principal concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the examples show it often introduces a key idea within a specific field.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a principal concept" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for introducing a key idea, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Although relatively rare, it is most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, suggesting a formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid confusion with the word "principle". Consider alternatives such as "a core idea" or "a key concept" for nuanced meanings. While its use is correct, awareness of its infrequent occurrence can help tailor your writing to suit the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core idea

Focuses on the central and essential nature of the idea.

a key concept

Highlights the importance and significance of the concept.

a fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the concept.

a basic tenet

Implies a core belief or doctrine.

a central theme

Highlights the recurring and unifying element of discussion.

a main idea

Focuses on the most important thought or point.

a primary notion

Stresses the initial or foremost nature of the concept.

a guiding principle

Suggests a concept that directs or influences action.

a leading idea

Emphasizes the concept's role as a dominant or influential factor.

a cardinal point

Indicates a crucial or essential aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "a principal concept" in a sentence?

Use "a principal concept" to introduce a core idea or foundational element in a discussion or explanation. For instance, "A principal concept in quantum mechanics is the wave-particle duality".

What's a good alternative to "a principal concept"?

Alternatives include "a core idea", "a key concept", or "a fundamental principle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the principal concept" instead of "a principal concept"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The principal concept" implies there is one main concept, while "a principal concept" suggests it is one of several important concepts.

What is the difference between "a principal concept" and "a basic concept"?

"A basic concept" refers to a simple or foundational idea, whereas "a principal concept" indicates a main or primary idea. The former is about simplicity, the latter about importance.