as a principle

USAGE SUMMARY

'as a principle' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a rule or guiding belief that serves as a basis for decision making. For example, "As a principle, I always aim to be honest in my interactions with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I never lie, as a principle".

The New Yorker

"As a principle, we must help and respect others.

The Guardian

Merit as a principle, everyone will sign up to that.

The Guardian

As an archaeologist, Sarath believed in truth as a principle.

The Guardian - Books

"Lloyds embraced treating customers fairly as a principle.

Independent

It's a world stiff as a principle: /glitter drills both.

The New Yorker

What is more, support for social solidarity as a principle is disappearing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As a principle, I don't work with murderers," Mr. Paisley said after his victory.

The New York Times

For a prime minister to talk about industrial strategy as a principle is certainly refreshing.

The Guardian - Opinion

She told the Guardian: "Annuities as a principle is actually quite a good one.

The Guardian

"Do you believe in punishment for abortion – yes or no – as a principle," asked Matthews.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a principle", ensure it clearly introduces the core belief or rule that guides the subsequent action or decision. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the logical flow of your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessively using "as a principle" can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted in casual contexts. Consider more natural alternatives like "generally", "usually", or "typically" for a smoother, more conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a principle" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the basis or rationale for an action or belief. As shown by Ludwig, it introduces a guiding rule.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a principle" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that introduces a fundamental belief or rule. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the level of formality and consider synonyms like "on principle" or "as a matter of principle" depending on your desired tone. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media and Scientific contexts, making it a valuable tool for clear and reasoned communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a matter of principle

Highlights the importance of the principle itself, emphasizing that the action is driven by deeply held beliefs.

on principle

Implies adhering to a moral or ethical code; it's more direct and often stronger in conviction than the original phrase.

based on principle

Indicates that something is founded or derived from a set of principles, highlighting the foundational aspect.

guided by principle

Focuses on the influence of a principle in directing actions or decisions, portraying the principle as a compass.

by way of principle

Suggests something is done as an example or demonstration of a principle, adding a level of intentionality and justification.

following a principle

Suggests active and continuous adherence to a specific principle, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the adherence.

in accordance with principle

Implies acting in agreement or conformity with established principles or guidelines, focusing on adherence to existing standards.

as a guiding rule

Replace "principle" with a direct synonym which is "rule", making it a more explicit guide.

as a fundamental belief

Emphasizes the deeply held and foundational nature of the belief that governs actions or decisions.

pursuant to principle

A more formal and legalistic way of saying "in accordance with a principle", typically used in official or legal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a principle" to introduce a fundamental belief or rule that guides a decision or action. For example, "As a principle, I always try to be honest in my dealings."

What are some alternatives to "as a principle"?

Some alternatives to "as a principle" include "on principle", "as a matter of principle", or "based on principle". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "as a principle" or "on principle"?

Both "as a principle" and "on principle" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "As a principle" introduces the rule, while "on principle" emphasizes adherence to it.

What's the difference between "as a principle" and "as a policy"?

"As a principle" refers to a fundamental belief or guiding rule, while "as a policy" refers to a specific course of action adopted by an organization or individual. Principles are broader and more foundational than policies.