abide by a principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abide by a principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing adherence to a specific rule, guideline, or moral standard. Example: "In our organization, we expect all employees to abide by a principle of integrity in their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

International conventions largely abide by a principle in which liability is "channeled" strictly to the operator of a reactor rather than the long list of suppliers.

The New York Times

In the end, all that any of us can really hope for is that we abide by a principle I once heard prescribed by a management guru but is perfectly apt for any parent: "Let's make better mistakes tomorrow".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

During Zimbabwe's March election it ludicrously prejudged the outcome as fair and shrank from telling Mr Mugabe's team to abide by a set of principles that SADC had itself laid down some years ago.

The Economist

The modern-day tendency towards author-friendly adaptations is far removed from bolder productions that abide by the principle that once a story leaves the author's head, it is the property of whichever film-maker who chooses to imagine it.

Independent

In order to abide by this principle and to create a coherent age range several adjustments had to be applied to prevalence and to cost data.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

In a landmark article about judging, the scholar John Leubsdorf said a justice should abide by three principles: avoid basing a vote on personal considerations; avoid basing a vote on facts learned outside the case; and consider both sides' arguments.

The New York Times

CLINICAL trials are supposed to abide by the principle of primum non nocere (first, do no harm).

The Economist

What's the problem?" Dutton replied: "Well, we've signed a convention saying that we won't render somebody stateless so we abide by that principle".

The Guardian

The Holy Father urged Palestinians and Israelis not to succumb to the temptation of revenge and to respect life and abide by the principle of peaceful cohabitation.

The New York Times

"We hope that the US will truly abide by the principle of not taking sides over the question of who the Diaoyu islands belong to," China's foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

The Guardian

Mr Qaradawi lives happily in Qatar.An explanatory joint statement from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE accused Qatar of breaching a pledge, made by Sheikh Tamim in November, to tone down such invective and "abide by the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "abide by a principle", ensure that the principle is clearly defined within the context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify which ethical, legal, or operational principle you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "abide by a principle" without providing context or specifics about the principle. Overgeneralization can weaken your argument and make your statement vague. Always clarify which principle is being followed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abide by a principle" functions as a verb phrase indicating a commitment to follow or adhere to a specific guiding rule or belief. Ludwig suggests this phrase reflects a conscious choice to align actions with a particular standard.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abide by a principle" is a grammatically correct construction used to express adherence to a specific guideline or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Although relatively rare, this phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist. It carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts including news, business, and academia. While the phrase is correct, providing specific context for the principle being followed is crucial for clarity. Consider alternatives like "adhere to a tenet" or "uphold a standard" based on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to a tenet

Replaces 'principle' with 'tenet', implying a core belief or doctrine is being followed. Semantic similarity is slightly lower due to the more formal nature of 'tenet'.

uphold a standard

Focuses on maintaining a required level or quality, differing from simply following a principle. The semantic similarity is reduced as it emphasizes active maintenance.

conform to a guideline

Emphasizes aligning with specific instructions or recommendations rather than a general principle. Semantic similarity is lower because 'guideline' is more specific than 'principle'.

obey a rule

Conveys a sense of obligation and adherence to a regulation. Differs slightly as 'rule' implies a more enforced compliance compared to a principle.

respect a value

Highlights the importance of showing regard for an ethical belief, moving slightly away from strict adherence. Semantic similarity is lessened by the focus on 'respect' rather than 'abide'.

act in accordance with a precept

Uses the more formal 'precept' and 'act in accordance with', suggesting a deliberate alignment with a rule. Semantic similarity is reduced due to the increased formality.

follow a doctrine

Implies adherence to a set of beliefs or teachings, which is more rigid than a principle. The semantic similarity is lower as it brings a stronger religious or ideological connotation.

keep to an ideal

Focuses on maintaining commitment to a high standard or aspiration, shifting the focus from adherence to aspiration. Semantic similarity decreases due to the change in focus.

stick to a moral

Emphasizes adherence to ethical standards, bringing a more direct moral dimension. Semantic similarity is lowered by the explicit moral connotation.

live by a code

Implies a comprehensive set of guiding principles, more encompassing than a single principle. Semantic similarity is significantly lower due to the broader scope of 'code'.

FAQs

How can I use "abide by a principle" in a sentence?

You can use "abide by a principle" to indicate adherence to a specific guideline or moral standard. For example, "The company committed to "abide by a principle" of environmental sustainability in all its operations."

What does it mean to "abide by a principle"?

To ""abide by a principle"" means to follow it, adhere to it, and ensure your actions are in accordance with that principle. It suggests a commitment to upholding a certain standard or belief.

What are some alternatives to "abide by a principle"?

Alternatives include "adhere to a tenet", "uphold a standard", or "conform to a guideline", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "abide by a principle" or "follow a principle"?

"Abide by a principle" is generally considered more formal than "follow a principle". The verb "abide" carries a sense of commitment and adherence, making it suitable for more serious or official contexts. Both ""abide by a principle"" and "follow a principle" are correct and understandable.