am in principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am in principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a general agreement or acceptance of an idea or concept, while acknowledging that there may be exceptions or conditions. Example: "I am in principle supportive of the new policy, but I have some concerns about its implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He did not claim benefits, saying: "I have never received a single krone from any government subsidy or support because I am in principle against living off such subsidies or welfare".

The Guardian

Certainly, this is possible (and once again I am in principle open to this possibility), but, as with the nucleus, there is to my knowledge no evidence that can be used to support such a contention.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is, in principle, an absentee landlord.

The New Yorker

Their solution was, in principle, very simple.

The New York Times

All this is in principle good.

The New York Times - Arts

"In principal" should of course have been "in principle".

The Guardian

Limiting occupational licensing should be, in principle, a bipartisan issue.

The New Yorker

"I'm, in principle, willing to delay the order.

The Guardian

But his suspension from the cabinet is, in principle, reversible.

The New York Times

The society in question is, in principle, highly meritocratic.

The New York Times

Two no-trump was in principle natural and forcing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "am in principle" to convey a qualified agreement, making it clear that while you generally support an idea, you might have specific reservations or conditions.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "principle" as "principal." "Principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition, while "principal" refers to a chief person or primary amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am in principle" functions as a qualifying expression, indicating a general acceptance or agreement. It is used to express that someone agrees with the main idea, but might have specific reservations or conditions. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "am in principle" is a useful tool for expressing a qualified agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals a general endorsement with the possibility of specific reservations. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts but can also be used in Science and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, remember to avoid the common misspelling with "principal" and clarify any specific concerns you might have. Alternatives like "generally agree" or "fundamentally agree" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally agree

Replaces "in principle" with a more straightforward expression of agreement.

fundamentally agree

Emphasizes the basic level of agreement.

broadly agree

Similar to "generally agree" but may imply a wider scope of agreement.

essentially agree

Highlights the essential points of agreement.

largely agree

Implies agreement with most but not necessarily all aspects.

mostly agree

Indicates agreement on the majority of points.

concur in general

Uses a more formal term for agreement.

support in principle

Focuses on supporting an idea or concept.

accept in theory

Highlights theoretical acceptance rather than practical application.

believe in concept

Expresses belief in the underlying idea.

FAQs

How can I use "am in principle" in a sentence?

You can use "am in principle" to express a general agreement with something, while still acknowledging that you may have specific concerns or reservations. For example, "I "am in principle" supportive of the new policy, but I have some questions about its feasibility."

What is a good alternative to "am in principle"?

Alternatives to "am in principle" include "generally agree", "fundamentally agree", or "broadly agree", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "am in principle" or "am in principal"?

"Am in principle" is correct. "Principal" refers to a chief person or a sum of money, while "principle" refers to a basic truth, assumption, or rule.

What's the difference between "am in principle" and "fully support"?

"Am in principle" implies a qualified endorsement, suggesting agreement with the underlying idea but potentially with reservations. "Fully support" indicates complete and unqualified agreement.