accept in principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"accept in principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more parties agree on a plan of action, in general terms, but need more details to decide whether to move forward. For example, "We accept in principle your proposal to reduce costs, but need more information before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In any agreement, he insisted, Israel must accept "in principle that it is the right of every Palestinian to choose to return when they want".

The New York Times

In exchange for relief from sanctions it will accept, in principle, that it should allow intrusive inspections and limit how much uranium will cascade through its centrifuges.

The Economist

If the school offer you the position, accept in principle, but don't think anyone would be offended if you said "you need to just discuss the outcome with your partner before confirming".

The Guardian

Pemex, Mexico's state oil company, also tussled with Repsol, in which it has a stake, pushing the reluctant Spanish firm to accept in principle a $5 billion compensation offer for its YPF stake.Despite these hiccups, Latin America has acted as a shock absorber during Spain's slump.

The Economist

But Greece may well have to concede and accept in principle all its commitments to pay, one way or another, all its debts.

BBC

And Owen Smith told Radio Wales it's something he may accept in principle, but only after a hugely long sentence listing the barriers that stand in the way.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was accepted in principle on August 27 , 1666

Britannica

"What she has really done is accepted in principle," he said.

The New York Times

A senior police official, Nashee Sewpersadh, told lawmakers the offers had been accepted in principle.

The Guardian

The offer had been accepted in principle by majority shareholder David Moores.

The Guardian - Sport

Its board has accepted in principle a bid for its energy operations from America's General Electric.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accept in principle" when you want to convey that an agreement has been reached on the main idea, but specific details still need to be worked out. It indicates a willingness to move forward while acknowledging that further discussion is required.

Common error

Avoid using "accept in principle" when a final, unconditional agreement is meant. This phrase indicates a preliminary agreement, so it's inappropriate when all details are finalized and a firm commitment is made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept in principle" functions as a verb phrase indicating preliminary agreement or approval. It is often used to express that the core idea of a proposal or agreement is agreeable, even if specific details require further negotiation or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62.5%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accept in principle" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a preliminary agreement or conditional approval. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to remember that this phrase indicates that while the core idea is agreeable, further details and negotiations may be necessary. Primarily found in news, science and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase can be used in formal and professional communications. To avoid miscommunication, ensure that all parties understand that accepting something in principle does not equate to a final commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agree in theory

Focuses on theoretical agreement rather than practical acceptance.

generally agree

Implies a broad agreement without necessarily committing to specific details.

conditionally accept

Highlights that acceptance is dependent on certain conditions being met.

provisionally agree

Suggests a temporary agreement that is subject to further review or confirmation.

give qualified approval

Emphasizes that the approval is not absolute and comes with reservations.

express initial agreement

Highlights the preliminary nature of the agreement.

show tentative acceptance

Implies a hesitance or lack of full commitment.

offer preliminary endorsement

Suggests a first step towards supporting an idea or proposal.

acknowledge the concept

Focuses on recognizing the validity of an idea rather than accepting a plan.

recognize the merit

Implies acknowledging value without necessarily accepting the entire proposal.

FAQs

What does "accept in principle" mean?

To "accept in principle" means to agree with the general idea of something, but not necessarily with all the details. It signifies a preliminary agreement where further discussion and modifications may be needed.

How do you use "accept in principle" in a sentence?

You can use "accept in principle" to show a conditional agreement, such as, "We "accept in principle" the proposed budget, but we need more information about specific allocations."

What can I say instead of "accept in principle"?

You can use alternatives like "generally agree", "conditionally accept", or "provisionally agree" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "accept in principle" in formal writing?

Yes, "accept in principle" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a professional way to express preliminary agreement in business, academic, and legal contexts.