abide by the principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abide by the principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means to act in accordance with a particular principle or rule. For example: We must abide by the principle of respecting each other's privacy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

The Economist

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

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

"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

The leaders have agreed to abide by the principle that the UK exists to "ensure opportunity and security for all by sharing our resources equitably".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Owen also believes people will abide by the principles of clarity, unity and purpose upon which he conceived Pristina.

The New York Times - Books

The Russian Federation should act responsibly, uphold its obligations under international law and abide by the principles of the NATO-Russia Council and the Partnership for Peace.

The Guardian

Abbas has already pledged that the new administration will abide by the principles laid down by the Middle East peace quartet in that it will recognise Israel, reject violence and abide by existing agreements.

The Guardian

But the broader principle is whether the UK is prepared to abide by the principles of human rights law for all those who risk life and limb in its cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

He would abide by "the principles of good governance" and hold elections within 24 months.But his plea for the world not to abandon Madagascar and its 20m people, most of them very poor, is unlikely to be heard.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abide by the principle", ensure the context clearly defines what that principle is. Clarity prevents misinterpretations and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "abide by the principle" without explicitly stating or referencing the principle in question. Readers need to understand the specific standard you are adhering to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abide by the principle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an obligation or commitment to follow a particular rule or standard. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abide by the principle" signifies a commitment to act in accordance with a specific rule or guideline. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is found across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. It's crucial to clearly define the principle being followed to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like ""adhere to the principle"" or ""uphold the principle"" can offer nuanced ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the principle

Replaces "abide by" with "adhere to", emphasizing a strict and faithful observance of the principle.

uphold the principle

Focuses on supporting and maintaining the principle, rather than just following it.

observe the principle

Emphasizes watching and carefully following the principle in practice.

respect the principle

Highlights acknowledging and valuing the principle's importance.

act in accordance with the principle

A more formal way of saying "abide by", stressing alignment in action.

comply with the principle

Focuses on meeting the requirements of the principle, often in a regulatory context.

conform to the principle

Stresses aligning one's behavior or actions to fit the principle.

be guided by the principle

Indicates that the principle serves as a directional influence.

be governed by the principle

Implies the principle has a ruling or controlling effect.

stick to the principle

Emphasizes remaining consistent and loyal to the principle over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "abide by the principle" to indicate adherence to a specific rule or guideline. For example, "The organization must "abide by the principle" of transparency in all its dealings".

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

Alternatives include "adhere to the principle", "uphold the principle", or "observe the principle", which all convey a similar meaning of following a guideline.

Is it better to say "abide by the principles" or "abide by the principle"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single guiding rule ("principle") or a set of rules or guidelines ("principles"). Ensure your wording accurately reflects the number of guidelines being followed.

What's the difference between "abide by the principle" and "comply with the principle"?

"Abide by the principle" suggests a more voluntary and moral adherence, while "comply with the principle" often implies a mandatory or legal requirement.