act according to your principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act according to your principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to behave or make decisions based on their own moral or ethical beliefs. Example: "In difficult situations, it's important to act according to your principles, even if it's not the easiest choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Act according to your forecasts and your plans.

WikiHow

When you act according to your conscience, you can be confident you did your very best.

WikiHow

Voice out your feelings, act according to your feelings but never let your heart guide your actions.

WikiHow

Just act according to your natural way of thinking, and studying.

WikiHow

From this standpoint, Rawl's suggested that individuals are likely to be fair in a social contract and would act according to two main principles: the first principle of justice, which entrenches the equal right individuals have to basic liberties; including the freedom of speech and assembly, political, and personal liberties (22, 32).

Global Health Action

If, however, this decree was issued by the supreme State leadership, then, of course, the Police had to act according to these principles and could only try to put through its own views within the framework of this decree.

Yale University

We in Russia will do everything we can to act according to these principles both in politics and in sport". Shortly afterward, a woman from Nizhny Novgorod practically swooned.

The Washington Post

When animals act according to these principles they act appropriately to their natures (in senses N1 and N2).

SEP

The second is that if A and B are two different creatures (say a man and a donkey) that God is going to create, their mutual differences cannot be grounded on their own beings, since they are not yet existing things; therefore they have to be found in something pertaining to God's productive potency, which will act according to different principles present in it.

SEP

And those servants of the People who are tasked with covert operations shall be individually criminally liable for failing to act according to said principles.

Huffington Post

They act according to the principles and methods of the organic production and agro-ecology.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen the impact of the phrase, explicitly state the principles one should consider.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase as a blanket justification for actions without careful consideration of the context and potential consequences of those actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act according to your principles" serves as an imperative or advisory phrase, urging individuals to align their behavior with their core moral and ethical beliefs. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its role in guiding decision-making and behavior.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act according to your principles" is a call to align one's actions with their core beliefs, promoting ethical and consistent behavior. While grammatically correct, the frequency of its occurrence is absent, meaning that Ludwig's AI has not been able to identify a significant presence of "act according to your principles" in the analyzed sources, although Ludwig indicates that the phrase is usable in written English. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and potential consequences to ensure that acting according to one's principles leads to positive outcomes. Alternatives like "follow your conscience" or "adhere to your values" can be used to convey similar meanings with nuanced emphasis. The phrase reminds us to be mindful about the specific circumstances and moral implications of our choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Align your actions with your principles

A more formal way of saying the same thing, with a focus on alignment.

Follow your conscience

Focuses on internal moral guidance rather than general principles.

Be guided by your principles

Suggests that principles are a compass directing actions.

Adhere to your values

Emphasizes the commitment to a specific set of values.

Live by your beliefs

Highlights the integration of beliefs into daily life.

Behave in accordance with your ethics

Uses more formal language to convey acting ethically.

Stay true to yourself

Focuses on authenticity and aligning actions with one's inner self.

Uphold your standards

Emphasizes the maintenance of personal standards of behavior.

Let your morals be your guide

Emphasizes the guidance provided by one's moral compass.

Stand by your principles

Highlights the act of defending and supporting one's principles, especially in the face of opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "act according to your principles" to advise someone to behave or make decisions based on their own moral or ethical beliefs. For example: "In difficult situations, it's important to act according to your principles, even if it's not the easiest choice."

What is an alternative to saying "act according to your principles"?

Alternatives include "follow your conscience", "adhere to your values", or "live by your beliefs", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "act according to your principles" or "follow your feelings"?

While feelings are important, "act according to your principles" suggests a more considered and ethical approach, based on core beliefs rather than fleeting emotions.

When is it inappropriate to "act according to your principles"?

It might be inappropriate if your principles are harmful or cause unnecessary suffering to others, or if blindly following them leads to unintended negative consequences. Context and empathy are crucial.