a question of principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a matter that involves ethical or moral considerations, often implying that the issue at hand is about adhering to one's beliefs or values. Example: "For her, it was not just about the money; it was a question of principle that drove her to take a stand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This is a question of principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a question of principle, of sticking to what had been agreed.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't see any other explanation for it, because it's not a question of principle.

The New Yorker

The family have maintained that it is not about the money but a question of principle.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a question of principle that touches all of us," he said.

The New Yorker

"It's a pity, but this is a question of principle," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

There's a real question of principle at stake in Pfister's the remarks to Carrie Seidman, of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, regarding Joss Whedon's Marvel reboot (as posted here by Jim Emerson, who took a screen shot of the remarks before they were taken down from the newspaper's Web site): What's really important is storytelling.

The New Yorker

Some insurance companies, too, worry that the commission's fudge could make their accounts more volatile.At the root of the arguments over IAS39 is an important question of principle: how should assets and liabilities be measured?

The Economist

Late to join, Britain has never loved Europe, and always regarded it as a question of expediency, not principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

In that instance, Reid declined to publicly highlight Republican obstructionism on a question of fundamental constitutional principle, which is precisely what he hopes to accomplish by unleashing filibusters on the Fisa amendments.

The Guardian - Opinion

But we are faced with a question of consistency and principle.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of principle", ensure the context clearly indicates that the issue involves deeply held beliefs or ethical considerations. Avoid using it for matters of mere preference or convenience.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of principle" when a simpler phrase like "a matter of preference" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of principle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It indicates that the matter under discussion hinges on fundamental beliefs or ethical considerations, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of principle" is a phrase used to highlight that an issue is based on ethics or fundamental beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in diverse contexts like News & Media and Science. While versatile, it’s best used when genuine ethical considerations are at play, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Related phrases include "a matter of ethics" and "a matter of values". When writing, ensure the context warrants the weight of "principle" to avoid sounding pretentious. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, reflecting its relevance in discussing ethical dilemmas and value-driven decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of ethics

This alternative replaces "principle" with "ethics", emphasizing the moral dimension of the issue.

a matter of values

This alternative uses "values" instead of "principle", highlighting the importance of personal or societal beliefs.

an ethical consideration

This phrase focuses specifically on the ethical aspects involved in the situation.

a matter of integrity

This focuses on the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

a moral imperative

This alternative suggests a stronger sense of duty and moral obligation.

a point of honor

This phrase emphasizes the importance of upholding one's reputation or integrity.

a fundamental belief

This highlights the core convictions that guide one's actions.

a matter of conscience

This emphasizes the personal moral compass guiding the decision.

a philosophical issue

This suggests a deeper, more abstract level of analysis.

a core tenet

This phrase denotes a central principle or belief of a doctrine or philosophy.

FAQs

How to use "a question of principle" in a sentence?

Use "a question of principle" when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is based on deeply held beliefs or ethical values. For example: "Refusing to compromise was "a question of principle" for her."

What can I say instead of "a question of principle"?

You can use alternatives like "a matter of ethics", "a matter of values", or "an ethical consideration" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as a question of principle"?

Yes, "as a question of principle" is a valid phrase. It means that something is being done or considered because of a strongly held belief or ethical standard. For instance: "He resigned "as a question of principle"."

What's the difference between "a question of principle" and "a matter of policy"?

"A question of principle" concerns ethics and values, while "a question of policy" relates to rules and procedures. One deals with morality, the other with governance.