back to those principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back to those principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a return to previously established beliefs or guidelines, often in a context of discussion or reflection. Example: "In times of uncertainty, it's essential to go back to those principles that have guided us through challenges before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Q. Let's go back to those principles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We want to get back to those first principles.

The Guardian

We do need to get back to those first principles.

The Guardian

At a time when public trust has been "severely shaken", HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Tom Winsor encourages the police service to go back to those first principles.

BBC

Nearly forty years on, we will go back to those first principles.

Huffington Post

Perry made the connection this way to a TV host, "We're going through [these] difficult economic times for a purpose, to bring us back to those Biblical principles of, you know, you don't spend all the money.

Huffington Post

But, I go back to the principles of openness, innovation and security.

The Guardian

Taking the club back to the principles of one dance floor, and a great soundsystem.

Vice

And going back to the principles of faith and humility, who am I to judge?

Huffington Post

The World Health Organization's (WHO World Healthh Report (8) promoted a 'call back' to the principles of PHC and the Alma-Ata declaration.

Global Health Action

All I can do is take you back to the principle part of this," she told The New Republic.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back to those principles", clearly specify which principles you are referring to, especially if they haven't been explicitly mentioned recently in the discussion. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "back to those principles" without contextualizing or specifying which principles you mean. Vague references can confuse your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back to those principles" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, indicating a return or reversion to previously held beliefs or guidelines. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts like politics, ethics, and business.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back to those principles" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that advocates for returning to core beliefs or guidelines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's essential to provide clear context for the "those principles" to avoid vagueness. While generally neutral in register, its usage spans various domains, from news and media to science and business. For alternative phrasing, consider "revert to those tenets" or "return to those values" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to be specific about which principles you are referencing to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revert to those tenets

Reverts to using "tenets" instead of "principles", implying a return to core beliefs but may be more suitable in specific, more formal contexts.

return to those values

Substitutes "principles" with "values", focusing on ethical or moral guidelines. It's a subtle difference, but shifts the emphasis to morals.

go back to those basics

Replaces "principles" with "basics", suggesting a simplification and return to fundamental elements.

return to those foundations

Uses "foundations" instead of "principles", indicating a return to the fundamental basis or groundwork of something.

revisit those guidelines

Employs "guidelines" instead of "principles", suggesting a return to established rules or recommendations.

reconsider those standards

Uses "standards" to replace "principles", indicating a re-evaluation of established benchmarks or criteria.

re-examine those ideals

Replaces "principles" with "ideals", focusing on aspirational concepts or beliefs.

get back to the fundamentals

Broader term emphasizing a return to the core concepts, suitable for various situations.

re-emphasize those core beliefs

Implies giving renewed importance to central convictions, subtly shifting the emphasis to the act of re-emphasizing.

reaffirm those convictions

Highlights the act of confirming beliefs, differing by focusing on the declaration of faith.

FAQs

How can I use "back to those principles" in a sentence?

You can use "back to those principles" to advocate for a return to fundamental guidelines or beliefs. For example, "In light of recent challenges, it's time to go "back to those principles" that have historically ensured our success."

What's a more formal way to say "back to those principles"?

A more formal alternative could be "revert to those tenets" or "return to those values", depending on the context. For instance, "The organization must "revert to those tenets" to maintain its integrity".

Is it ever incorrect to use "back to those principles"?

The phrase is generally correct, but its effectiveness hinges on clear context. If the "those principles" are undefined or unclear to the audience, the phrase loses its meaning. In such cases, specify the principles you're referencing or consider using a more explicit phrasing.

What can I say instead of "back to those principles" to sound less repetitive?

To avoid repetition, you could say "return to those foundations", "revisit those guidelines", or "get "back to the fundamentals"". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.