basic principles

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic principles" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It's often used to refer to a set of beliefs, guidelines, or rules that form the foundation of a system or philosophy. For example, you could say: "This company follows the basic principles of sustainability in order to reduce its environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hieroglyphic writing followed four basic principles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Part I: some basic principles.

Nature

In control system: Basic principles.

Britannica

I would suggest some basic principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, we teach a few basic principles.

The New York Times - Science

But even basic principles are problematic.

The New York Times

"I don't mean just the basic principles.

The New York Times - Magazine

Vevo violates Google's most basic principles.

Harvard Business Review

Times do change; but basic principles don't.

The Guardian - Opinion

I agree with your five basic principles.

University of California, Berkeley

Instead, I think there are basic principles.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex topics, clearly state the "basic principles" early on to provide a solid foundation for your audience's understanding. This helps readers grasp the core ideas before delving into more intricate details.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience already understands the "basic principles". Always explicitly define them, even if they seem obvious to you, to ensure everyone is on the same page and to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic principles" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describes fundamental concepts, guidelines, or rules. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic principles" is a versatile and widely used noun phrase that refers to foundational concepts or guidelines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To ensure clarity, always define the "basic principles" you are referencing, as overlooking assumed knowledge is a common error. Consider using alternatives like "fundamental concepts" or "core tenets" for stylistic variation. By following these insights, you can effectively incorporate "basic principles" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fundamental concepts

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the ideas.

First principles

Emphasizes fundamental propositions or assumptions that cannot be deduced from any other proposition or assumption.

Core tenets

Highlights the key beliefs or doctrines of a system or ideology.

Essential guidelines

Focuses on the rules or advice that are crucial for a particular activity.

Underlying foundations

Stresses the base upon which something is built or established.

Key fundamentals

Highlights the most important elements or aspects.

Primary laws

Emphasizes rules that form the basis of a legal or scientific system.

Ground rules

Refers to the basic rules that govern a process or interaction.

Cornerstones

Highlights something essential or indispensable.

Elementary rules

Highlights the basic and uncomplicated nature of a rule.

FAQs

How can I use "basic principles" in a sentence?

You can use "basic principles" to refer to fundamental concepts, such as: "The course covers the "basic principles" of accounting" or "The company operates on the "basic principles" of honesty and transparency".

What are some alternatives to saying "basic principles"?

Some alternatives to "basic principles" include "fundamental concepts", "core tenets", or "essential guidelines" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "basic fundamental principles"?

Yes, using phrases like "basic fundamental principles" can be redundant because "fundamental" already implies something basic or essential. It's better to stick with either ""basic principles"" or "fundamental principles".

What's the difference between "basic principles" and "general rules"?

"Basic principles" are foundational concepts that explain how something works, while "general rules" are guidelines or regulations that govern behavior or processes. Principles explain, rules dictate.