as a universal principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a universal principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a concept or idea that is intended to apply broadly or universally across different situations or contexts. Example: "As a universal principle, it is essential to treat others with respect and kindness, regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Other than work featuring de Haan, the most compelling of Gauguin's paintings here are two that treat womanhood, or the feminine, as a universal principle.

The New York Times

The principle of uniformity, however, is firmly based in custom or habit, as a universal principle of the human mind, and it is also the foundation for the Newtonian inductive method including Hume's own inductive science of the human mind.

SEP

However, the dissociation between judgment and production in Experiments 3A and 3B argue against acceptance of this relationship as a universal principle.

Plosone

A global response to different types of stress, an idea already supported by some experimental evidence and articulated in the gatekeeper hypothesis [ 1], would alone merit a research in which it would be clearly identified as a universal principle.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Many people think she is totally crazy, and indeed she seems to have turned her own life's experience, as an abused wife, into a universal principle.

The Guardian - Books

Arisaka critically adds, however, that "the idea that a particular nation may be the bearer of a universal principle, such as freedom or democracy, and that, therefore, its actions in history serve a higher end, should be familiar from recent American experience" (ibid., 244; also see Maraldo 1994, 355).

SEP

Nevertheless, as firmly based in custom or habit, it is a universal principle of the human mind.

SEP

"Freedom of choice is a universal principle.

The Guardian

"This is an Islamic principle and a universal principle," he says.

The Guardian

Hence, a "universal principle of right" cannot be based upon happiness but only on something truly universal, such as freedom.

SEP

Freedom of speech and information is a universal principle.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a universal principle" to introduce ideas that are broadly applicable across various contexts, ensuring clarity and emphasizing their widespread relevance. For example, "As a universal principle, fairness should guide all decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "as a universal principle" when the concept applies only to specific cases or contexts. Ensure that the principle truly holds across a wide range of situations to maintain credibility. Misusing it weakens the statement, implying broader validity than actually exists. Make sure that your case meets the criteria of being "globally applicable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a universal principle" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase. It serves to frame a statement by establishing it as a generally accepted truth or a fundamental guideline. The Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a universal principle" serves as an introductory phrase to highlight the broad applicability of a statement. Grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, reflecting its use in authoritative discussions. While similar phrases like "as a fundamental principle" exist, choosing the most appropriate phrase depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the concept truly applies universally to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a fundamental principle

Replaces "universal" with "fundamental", emphasizing the basic or essential nature of the principle.

as a general principle

Replaces "universal" with "general", suggesting a broad applicability but potentially with exceptions.

as a global principle

Replaces "universal" with "global", highlighting worldwide relevance.

as a basic tenet

Replaces "universal principle" with "basic tenet", indicating a core belief or doctrine.

as a foundational concept

Shifts from "principle" to "concept", emphasizing the underlying idea or notion.

as a guiding principle

Adds the notion of guidance, suggesting the principle directs actions or decisions.

as a key principle

Emphasizes the importance of the principle.

as an overarching principle

Highlights the principle's comprehensive or dominant nature.

as a ubiquitous principle

Suggests that the principle is present everywhere or is very common.

as a constant

Implies the principle is unchanging and always applicable.

FAQs

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

Use "as a universal principle" to introduce a statement that you believe is broadly applicable and consistently true across diverse situations. For example, "As a universal principle, honesty is the best policy."

What are some alternatives to saying "as a universal principle"?

You can use alternatives such as "as a fundamental principle", "as a general rule", or "as a foundational concept", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "as a universal principle" always the best phrase to use, or are there times when it's not appropriate?

While "as a universal principle" is grammatically correct, it's not always the most appropriate choice. Reserve it for situations where the principle genuinely applies across a wide range of contexts. If the principle is more specific or limited, consider using alternatives like "as a general guideline" or "in most cases".

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

"As a universal principle" implies that the principle is always true and applicable in all situations. "As a general principle", on the other hand, suggests that the principle is generally true but may have exceptions. The choice depends on the degree of certainty and applicability you want to convey.