a universal principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a universal principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a concept or rule that is applicable in all situations or contexts. Example: "The idea of fairness is often considered a universal principle that transcends cultural boundaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Freedom of choice is a universal principle.

The Guardian

"This is an Islamic principle and a universal principle," he says.

The Guardian

Protestant mystics explicitly recognize that the divine Light or Spark is a universal principle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Incidentally, this is close to a universal principle of statistical analysis.

The New York Times

A universal principle of home construction makes it possible to guess which door will lead to the master bedroom.

The New Yorker

Many people think she is totally crazy, and indeed she seems to have turned her own life's experience, as an abused wife, into a universal principle.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Just as in Descartes' model of science, where knowledge of all particulars depends on prior knowledge of the principle from which the particulars are deduced, so also in the aesthetics of French classicism, the demand is for systematization under a single, universal principle.

SEP

This is a unique universal principle underlying animal development and it was designated as the "colinearity rule".

Genome Biology and Evolution

This fact implies that there exists an underlying universal principle for cost-effective management of aquacultured fish harvested at a certain rate after an opening time.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

He has said that successful leaders follow an almost universal principle of management "as true for orchestra conductors, army generals, football coaches, and school superintendents as for corporate executives".

The Economist

This evidence has motivated the development of new computational models of reading that regard flexibility in positional coding to be a core and universal principle of the reading process.

Journal of Memory and Language

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a universal principle", ensure the context clearly supports its broad applicability. Avoid applying it to situations where exceptions or cultural variations significantly alter its validity.

Common error

Avoid using "a universal principle" when referring to a concept that is widely accepted but not truly without exception. Qualify the statement if necessary to reflect nuanced applications or potential limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a universal principle" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a concept, rule, or guideline that is considered applicable across various contexts. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse fields, from philosophy to science, indicating its role in framing broad truths.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a universal principle" is a noun phrase that denotes a fundamental truth or guideline with broad applicability. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various domains, particularly science and news. While the phrase carries a sense of authority, it's crucial to ensure the context justifies its use, avoiding overstatements of universality. Alternatives like "a fundamental principle" or "a general principle" may be more appropriate in cases where exceptions exist. Remember to qualify your statement if necessary to reflect nuanced applications or potential limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental principle

Replaces "universal" with "fundamental", emphasizing the basic and essential nature of the principle.

a general principle

Substitutes "universal" with "general", highlighting the broad applicability of the principle without necessarily implying absolute universality.

a widespread principle

Replaces "universal" with "widespread", focusing on the common acceptance or prevalence of the principle.

a common principle

Uses "common" instead of "universal" to indicate that the principle is widely shared or recognized.

a basic tenet

Replaces "principle" with "tenet" and "universal" with "basic", shifting the focus to a core belief or doctrine.

a cardinal rule

Uses "cardinal rule" to denote a fundamental and important principle or guideline.

an overarching principle

Replaces "universal" with "overarching" emphasizing the principle's comprehensive or dominant nature.

a foundational concept

Shifts from "principle" to "concept" and uses "foundational" instead of "universal", emphasizing the principle's role as a basis for further understanding.

a global standard

Replaces "principle" with "standard" and "universal" with "global", focusing on a benchmark or norm applicable worldwide.

a consistent pattern

Replaces "universal principle" with a focus on an observed regularity or predictable trend.

FAQs

How can I use "a universal principle" in a sentence?

You can use "a universal principle" to describe a concept or rule that is believed to be true or applicable in all situations. For example, "Freedom of speech is often considered "a universal principle"".

What are some alternatives to "a universal principle"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental principle", "a general principle", or "a widespread principle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it accurate to call something "a universal principle" if there are exceptions?

The term "a universal principle" implies that the principle holds true in all cases. If there are significant exceptions, it may be more accurate to describe it as "a general rule" or "a widely accepted belief".

What's the difference between "a universal principle" and "a common practice"?

"A universal principle" refers to a fundamental truth or guideline, while "a common practice" refers to a behavior or method that is widely used or followed. A practice can be common without being a fundamental truth.