agreeing to the principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agreeing to the principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing consent or acceptance of a fundamental idea or rule in a formal or informal context. Example: "After much deliberation, the committee is finally agreeing to the principle that transparency is essential for effective governance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr Kerry will seek to find a formula whereby the Israelis and Palestinians recognise each others' historic narrative without having to endorse it.As the Palestinians see it, they have already made a bundle of concessions over the years recognising Israel, agreeing to the principle of adjusting the 1967 border, and talking without a settlement freeze.

The Economist

Despite the Russian positions that are diametrically opposed to the Gulf positions on Syria and Iran, the Gulf countries have accepted what the Russian leadership has imposed, agreeing to the principle of separating political differences from economic and strategic relations.

Huffington Post

Estañol recommended coming to terms with the first group of revolutionaries, by agreeing to the principle of no re-election and a general amnesty, in order to prevent the second group from succeeding.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Countries agreed to the principle of "loss and damage", to help victims of climate change.

The Guardian

"As a European, I agree to the principle of Europe," Mr. Raffarin said.

The New York Times

Countries agreed to the principle of having their emissions cuts inspected.

The Guardian

Under the new offer, formally proposed today, the United States would modify its requirements for a test-ban treaty if the Soviet Union agreed to the principle of international inspection.

The New York Times

European Union members have agreed to the principle of burden-sharing for cross-border banking workouts, but they have yet to make it operational and binding.

The New York Times

Begin, a veteran revisionist who founded the Likud party, withdrew from Sinai under the peace treaty of 1979 with Egypt, and agreed to the principle of Palestinian autonomy.

The Economist

UN officials praised Europe's politicians for finally having the political courage to agree to the principle of sharing the burden.

The Guardian

While they have agreed to the principle of an exchange, they are still unwilling to release the 1500 Palestinians Hamas is demanding freed, including 400 women and children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "agreeing to the principle", ensure that the principle itself is clearly defined and understood by all parties involved. This avoids ambiguity and ensures genuine consensus.

Common error

Avoid using "agreeing to the principle" when there is only superficial or verbal agreement without a genuine commitment to its implementation. Ensure actions and decisions align with the stated principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agreeing to the principle" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, indicating the act of consenting to a fundamental rule or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is acceptable and usable in written English. The phrase typically introduces a statement of acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "agreeing to the principle" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses acceptance of a fundamental idea or rule. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and professional settings. To ensure effective communication, make certain that the principle being agreed upon is clearly defined. While alternatives like "accepting the premise" or "endorsing the tenet" exist, "agreeing to the principle" remains a standard and widely recognized expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepting the premise

This alternative refers to acknowledging the initial statement or assumption on which an argument is based.

assenting to the guideline

This alternative implies formally agreeing to follow a specific rule or recommendation.

embracing the concept

This option indicates a welcoming and enthusiastic adoption of a particular idea.

endorsing the tenet

This phrase emphasizes formal support or approval of a core belief or doctrine.

affirming the doctrine

This phrase denotes a strong confirmation or validation of a set of beliefs or teachings.

subscribing to the notion

This phrase suggests adherence to a belief or idea, often in a more passive or indirect way.

concurring with the basis

This option suggests alignment with the foundational element of an idea or system.

adhering to the standard

This choice signifies a commitment to following an established rule or measure of quality.

upholding the axiom

This alternative suggests maintaining or defending a self-evident truth or principle.

ratifying the proposition

This phrase denotes formally approving or validating a statement or plan.

FAQs

What does "agreeing to the principle" mean?

It means accepting a fundamental idea or rule, often as a basis for further discussion or action. It signifies consent to a core concept, even if specific details are yet to be determined.

How is "agree with the principle" different from "agreeing to the principle"?

"Agreeing to the principle" often implies a formal acceptance or acknowledgement, while "agree with the principle" suggests a general concurrence or alignment of opinion.

What are some alternatives to "agreeing to the principle"?

You can use alternatives like "accepting the premise", "endorsing the tenet", or "concurring with the basis" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "agreeing on the principle" instead of "agreeing to the principle"?

While "agreeing on the principle" might be understood, "agreeing to the principle" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing, especially in formal contexts.