according to the principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to the principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referencing established guidelines, rules, or beliefs that inform a particular action or thought process. Example: "According to the principles of sustainable development, we must prioritize environmental protection in our projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to the principles of feng….

The New Yorker

The post is not filled according to the principles of natural selection.

The New York Times - Books

According to the principles of feng shui, this wall shields the occupants from malign energy forces.

The New Yorker

I want us all to be operating according to the principles of serving others before self.

The Guardian

That competition, Demetrius said, plays out according to the principles of natural selection.

Harvard University

We expect all members of our community to behave according to the principles expressed here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Combustion experiment was conducted according to the principles in ASTM-E 160-50 combustest testandardsrdstandards

Construction and Building Materials

The entire research process was conducted according to the principles expressed in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Nature

He lives his life according to the principles that drove him throughout his playing career.

The Guardian - Sport

Family relations were deeply transformed according to the principles of liberty and equality.

Britannica

This study has been conducted according to the principles expressed in the declaration of Helsinki.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to the principles", clearly specify which principles you are referring to in order to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "according to the principles of agile development" provides a clearer context than simply saying "according to the principles".

Common error

Avoid using "according to the principles" without specifying whose or what principles are being referenced. This can lead to confusion and weaken the clarity of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to the principles" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement or action's basis or justification. It often prefaces explanations about adherence to specific guidelines, doctrines, or sets of beliefs. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates conformity or alignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

23%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "according to the principles" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction, commonly used across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia to signify alignment with established guidelines or core beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in formal English. While alternatives like "in accordance with the principles" and "based on the principles" exist, "according to the principles" offers a direct and widely understood means of conveying adherence to a specific set of rules. For effective use, be sure to specify what principles are being referenced, and this ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in accordance with the principles

This alternative is a more formal way of saying something aligns with established guidelines.

consistent with the principles

This alternative emphasizes the alignment and lack of contradiction with a specific set of guidelines.

following the principles

This alternative focuses on adherence and obedience to a defined set of rules.

guided by the principles

This alternative highlights the directive influence of certain core beliefs on actions or decisions.

based on the principles

This alternative emphasizes the foundation or rationale behind a decision or action.

pursuant to the principles

This is a more formal and legalistic way to say something is done in accordance with specific guidelines.

observing the principles

This alternative stresses the act of careful monitoring and adherence to established guidelines.

adhering to the principles

This emphasizes a firm and unwavering commitment to follow a set of rules or beliefs.

conforming to the principles

This emphasizes compliance and agreement with established rules or guidelines.

under the aegis of the principles

This is a more figurative way of saying something is protected or sanctioned by established guidelines.

FAQs

How can I use "according to the principles" in a sentence?

You can use "according to the principles" to indicate that an action, decision, or belief is based on or consistent with a set of rules, guidelines, or fundamental truths. For example, "The experiment was conducted "according to the principles expressed in the Declaration of Helsinki"".

What are some alternatives to "according to the principles"?

Alternatives include "in accordance with the principles", "consistent with the principles", or "based on the principles". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "according to the principle" or "according to the principles"?

Use "principle" when referring to a single, specific guiding rule. Use "principles" when referring to a set of rules or a broader doctrine. For example, "according to the principle of Occam's razor" versus "according to the principles of feng shui".

What's the difference between "according to the principles" and "as per the principles"?

"According to the principles" is a more common and general way of saying something is in agreement with certain rules. "As per the principles" is slightly more formal and is often used in legal or business contexts. They are largely interchangeable, but "according to" is generally preferred for broader use.