a simple principle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple principle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a fundamental concept or idea that is easy to understand or apply. Example: "The success of any project often relies on a simple principle of effective communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It's a simple principle of loyalty".

The Guardian - Sport

A. I use a simple principle of management based on intellectual honesty.

The New York Times

Michael Fabricant, back on the backbenches, re-wired as an elder statesman, pointed out that Nick Clegg once called the changes a "simple principle of fairness".

The Guardian

The University of Florida broadcasts and archives Dr. Rush's lectures less for the convenience of sleepy students like Mr. Patel than for a simple principle of economics: 1,500 undergraduates are enrolled and no lecture hall could possibly hold them.

The New York Times

Graham McWilliam, BSkyB's group director of corporate affairs, said: "In long negotiations with BT, we have tried hard to uphold a simple principle of mutual supply so that both of us would offer all our customers all Premier League matches from next season.

The Guardian

It is a simple principle of business that your costs should be less than your income, but for a few years the farmers and the banks and the agricultural workers lived in this strange world where the economic rules didn't apply.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There is no short cut to revision.The word list works on a simple principle: "Out of sight, out of mind".

WikiHow

"The court issued a sharp and unequivocal ruling on a simple principle, that of equality before the law.

The Guardian

He added: "The court issued a sharp and unequivocal ruling on a simple principle, that of equality before the law; nobody is above the law, not even a former president, all are subject to the law.

The New York Times

California Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday signed the nation's strongest digital privacy law yet, codifying a simple principle: All of our existing rights should apply online, too.

Huffington Post

The list of facilitating subjects are based on Russell Group universities coming together to state a simple principle, says University of Sheffield's head of admissions Lynsey Hopkins.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a simple principle of", ensure that the principle you are referring to is genuinely easy to understand and apply. Avoid using the phrase for complex or nuanced concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple principle of" when the concept you are describing has underlying complexities or requires significant background knowledge. Overstating the simplicity can mislead or confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple principle of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an introductory element to present a fundamental or easily understood concept. It highlights the basic nature of the principle being discussed, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple principle of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a fundamental concept or rule. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is effective in setting the stage for explaining basic ideas across various contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, suggesting its versatility in both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the principle you are describing is genuinely easy to understand to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic concept of

Replaces "principle" with "concept", implying a foundational idea rather than a rule or guideline.

an elementary tenet of

Substitutes "simple principle" with "elementary tenet", suggesting a fundamental belief or doctrine.

a fundamental rule of

Replaces "principle" with "rule", focusing on a standard or guideline that must be followed.

a straightforward idea of

Uses "straightforward idea" instead of "simple principle", emphasizing the clarity and ease of understanding.

a clear guideline for

Replaces "principle" with "guideline", shifting the focus to providing direction or advice.

a primary axiom of

Substitutes "simple principle" with "primary axiom", indicating a self-evident truth or foundation.

a core element of

Replaces "principle" with "element", focusing on a necessary part of something.

a key aspect of

Uses "key aspect" instead of "simple principle", highlighting an important feature or component.

an easy concept for

Replaces "principle" with "concept", focusing on its ease of understanding and application.

a plain guideline for

Uses "plain guideline" instead of "simple principle", emphasizing its clarity and directness.

FAQs

How can I use "a simple principle of" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple principle of" to introduce a basic concept or fundamental rule. For instance, "The success of this strategy relies on "a simple principle of" consistent effort".

What's a good alternative to "a simple principle of"?

Alternatives include "a basic concept of", "a fundamental rule of", or "a straightforward idea of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a simple principle of" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when introducing an easily understandable concept that underlies a more complex argument. However, ensure the principle genuinely warrants the label "simple".

What is the difference between "a simple principle of" and "a complex principle of"?

"A simple principle of" refers to a basic, easily understood idea, while "a complex principle of" describes an idea with many layers and intricacies. Using the right phrase helps accurately represent the concept you're discussing.