built on the principle that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "built on the principle that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a foundational idea or belief that supports a particular argument, theory, or system. Example: "The new educational curriculum is built on the principle that every student learns at their own pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

All climate deals are built on the principle that developed countries have more responsibility and ability to curtail growth than developing countries.

The New Yorker

"Societies are built on the principle that other entities have emotions".

The New York Times - Magazine

The Google Plus social network is built on the principle that all your friends and acquaintances should be sorted into groups, with whom you then share information.

The New York Times

Like it or not, we have a new, pre-emptive defense policy built on the principle that we strike the bad guys before they hit us.

The New York Times

The Chicago machine was built on the principle that the way to have a voice in government was to pay one's dues at the precinct level by turning out the vote.

The New York Times

Testifying in Washington on Thursday at a Congressional hearing on the achievement gap between white and nonwhite students, Mr. Bloomberg said: "Our country is built on the principle that all those willing to work hard have a shot at success.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The program is built on the principles that many problems can be prevented and resolved using the skills of school staff at a fraction of the cost required to solve problems once they develop.

The New York Times

27 28 Future research could build on the principle that some interruptions contribute positively towards patient care, and instead focus on empowering and training nurses in interruption management.

BMJ Open

Our justice system has world respect because it was built on the old principle that someone is "innocent until proven guilty".

The Guardian - Opinion

Patagonia is built on the principle of living an examined life and I think that permeates into the company culture.

The Guardian - Business

7 The Norwegian healthcare system is built on the principle of equal access to services that is, all inhabitants should have the same opportunities for health care, regardless of social or economic status.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "built on the principle that", ensure the principle you're referring to is clearly defined and universally understood within your intended audience. Avoid using vague or ambiguous principles.

Common error

Avoid claiming something is "built on the principle that" if the principle is not truly foundational or is only a minor contributing factor. This can weaken your argument and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "built on the principle that" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing a foundational idea or belief upon which something is based. Ludwig examples show how it connects a concept with its underlying principle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "built on the principle that" is a commonly used construction to indicate that something is fundamentally based on a particular idea, belief, or rule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media sources, it also finds use in scientific and formal business writing. Related phrases include "based on the premise that" and "founded on the belief that". When using this phrase, ensure the underlying principle is clearly defined and genuinely foundational to the subject at hand to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the premise that

Replaces "principle" with "premise", focusing on the underlying assumption.

founded on the belief that

Substitutes "built" with "founded" and "principle" with "belief", emphasizing the origin and conviction.

predicated on the idea that

Uses "predicated" to highlight the dependence on a specific idea.

grounded in the notion that

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the "notion" as the basis.

stemming from the concept that

Focuses on the origin of something from a particular concept.

hinging on the understanding that

Highlights the crucial dependence on a specific understanding.

derived from the axiom that

Replaces "principle" with "axiom", indicating a self-evident truth.

structured around the guideline that

Uses "guideline" instead of "principle", suggesting a more flexible rule.

developed from the theory that

Focuses on the theoretical foundation of something.

rooted in the conviction that

Stresses the deep-seated nature of the "conviction".

FAQs

What does "built on the principle that" mean?

The phrase "built on the principle that" signifies that something is fundamentally based or relies upon a particular belief, idea, or rule. It implies that this principle serves as a foundation for the structure, system, or argument being discussed.

How can I use "built on the principle that" in a sentence?

You can use "built on the principle that" to introduce a foundational concept. For example: "The legal system is "built on the principle that" everyone is innocent until proven guilty."

What are some alternatives to "built on the principle that"?

Alternatives include "based on the idea that", "founded on the belief that", or "predicated on the premise that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "built on the principle of" or "built on the principle that"?

"Built on the principle of" is generally followed by a noun or gerund, while "built on the principle that" is followed by a clause. For instance: "The architecture is built on the principle of sustainability" versus "The architecture is "built on the principle that" natural light should be maximized."