basic tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic tenet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental principle or belief that serves as the foundation for a system of thought or behavior. Example: "One basic tenet of democracy is the importance of free and fair elections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But his basic tenet, which held that suffering lies in causal relation with desires, promoted asceticism in Buddhism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Loyalty is a basic tenet of fandom.

The New Yorker

It is a basic tenet of economics.

The New York Times

There's a basic tenet of Hollywood screenwriting.

The Guardian - Film

It sounds simple, obvious, a basic tenet of receiving.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a basic tenet of human rights and Islam.

The New York Times

"That's the basic tenet that leads Quakers not to kill.

The New York Times

The basic tenet of Islam is that of peace".

The Guardian

The doctor's most basic tenet is that of primum non nocere — first, do no harm.

The New York Times

That upset the workers because it struck at a basic tenet of unionism: seniority preferences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The basic tenet of life in the Heights," he said, "is inertia".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basic tenet" to introduce fundamental ideas at the beginning of a discussion or argument. This helps establish a solid foundation for further explanation and avoids confusing the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "basic tenet" too frequently in your writing without clearly linking each tenet to a specific framework or field of study. This can make your writing seem repetitive and lack depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic tenet" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental principle or belief. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across diverse fields, highlighting its role in establishing core concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic tenet" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for denoting a fundamental principle or core belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While synonyms such as "fundamental principle" or "core belief" exist, "basic tenet" is particularly effective in academic or formal contexts when establishing key concepts. Ensure you provide sufficient context when employing this phrase to enhance clarity and avoid overuse, as establishing context improves clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the concept, focusing on its role as a primary rule or law.

core belief

Highlights the deeply held conviction aspect, indicating a central and unwavering belief.

foundational concept

Focuses on the role of the idea as a base upon which further understanding is built.

essential element

Stresses the necessity and indispensability of the component.

underlying principle

Highlights the foundational aspect, suggesting a principle that supports a larger system or idea.

key principle

Emphasizes the importance of the rule as a critical component.

central idea

Focuses on the main thought or concept that is most important.

basic doctrine

Refers to a fundamental teaching or belief, often within a specific field or system of thought.

primary assumption

Highlights the role of the tenet as an initial belief taken as true for the purposes of reasoning.

cardinal principle

Emphasizes the fundamental and guiding nature of the principle.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "basic tenet" in a sentence?

To effectively use "basic tenet", clearly identify the principle and the system or belief it supports. For example, "One "basic tenet" of democracy is the rule of law."

What are some alternatives to using "basic tenet"?

You can use alternatives such as "fundamental principle", "core belief", or "foundational concept" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "basic tenet" and a "fundamental principle"?

While similar, "basic tenet" often refers to a specific doctrine or belief within a system, while "fundamental principle" can apply more broadly to any essential rule or guideline.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "basic tenet"?

"Basic tenet" is most appropriate in contexts where you are discussing foundational beliefs, doctrines, or principles that underpin a particular system of thought, philosophy, or practice.