a unifying principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unifying principle" is not correct in standard English; it should be "a unifying principle" instead of "a unifying principle." You can use it when discussing a concept or idea that brings together different elements or aspects into a cohesive whole.
Example: "In our research, we identified a unifying principle that connects various theories in the field of physics."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It remains just as much of a unifying principle now as it was back then.

The Guardian

Successful gardens are almost always based on a unifying principle or principles.

The New York Times

The Human Brain Project, he said, will provide a "unifying principle" for scientists to rally around.

The New York Times - Science

In his book of philosophical fragments, Constructions, Frayn wrote: "A man dominates his environment by establishing a unifying principle - himself".

The Guardian

A unifying principle that was put forth in the last decade or so is the mirror descent strategy.

Princeton University

The Downtown Alliance has the makings of something similar in the network of walking tours it offers; what's needed is a unifying principle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

If there is a single unifying principle amongst a startup's engineering team, it should be to write as little code and be responsible for as few non-core services as humanly possible.

TechCrunch

The Upanishads present a vision of an interconnected universe with a single, unifying principle behind the apparent diversity in the cosmos, any articulation of which is called brahman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence, the aggressive rejection of psychical research as the 'unscientific Other' of academic psychology, which James' opponents perceived as a threat to rationality and the scientific and social order, was a vital unifying principle aiding early psychologists to achieve something like a scientific identity (Leary, 1987).

History of the Human Sciences

The subsequent 40 years of ocean research and space exploration wound up converging on a single, unifying principle: Where there is water, there is almost certainly life.

The Washington Post

Van's particular genius was to create a single, unifying principle that connects every Cast Member with our Guests' emotional aspirations.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a unifying principle", ensure your writing clearly establishes what diverse elements are being unified and how the principle achieves this cohesion.

Common error

Although very common, the article before "unifying" should be "a". Use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds. "Unifying" begins with a consonant sound (even though the letter 'u' is a vowel), so "a" is correct: "a unifying principle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental concept or idea that connects various elements or aspects of a subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various academic fields and news publications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a unifying principle" refers to a foundational concept or idea that brings together diverse elements into a coherent whole. Despite Ludwig AI indicating that its usage is technically incorrect (should be "a unifying principle"), it's commonly found across academic, scientific, and news media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in illustrating the elements being unified and how this principle achieves cohesion. Alternatives such as "a central tenet" or "a common thread" may offer more precision depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central tenet

Emphasizes a core belief or doctrine, rather than a broad connecting idea.

a common thread

Highlights a recurring element that links different aspects together.

a key concept

Focuses on a fundamental idea that is crucial for understanding.

a fundamental principle

Stresses the basic or foundational nature of the unifying element.

a core idea

Highlights the central thought or notion.

a binding theme

Suggests a dominant topic that ties various components together.

an organizing concept

Implies a framework that provides structure and order.

a linchpin

Emphasizes a crucial element that holds everything together.

a central theme

Focuses on the main topic or subject of discussion.

a cornerstone

Highlights the foundational and indispensable nature of the unifying element.

FAQs

How to use the phrase "a unifying principle" in a sentence?

The phrase "a unifying principle" is used to describe a concept or idea that brings different elements together. For example, "Evolution serves as "a unifying principle" in biology."

What's a good alternative to "a unifying principle"?

Alternatives to "a unifying principle" include "a central tenet", "a common thread", or "a key concept", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a unifying principle"?

While the phrase is very commonly used, it is actually grammatically incorrect. Use the article "a" before consonant sounds: "a unifying principle".

What is the difference between "a unifying principle" and "a common denominator"?

While both phrases describe something shared, "a unifying principle" suggests a foundational concept that brings cohesion, whereas "a common denominator" simply refers to a shared characteristic or element.