central principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"central principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a main rule or idea that guides the thoughts, beliefs, or actions of a person or group. For example, "The central principle of the organization is to always put the needs of its members first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We conclude that the government's central principle is valid.

The Guardian

Make justice a central principle in your affairs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Across the board -- hate crimes  -- we have made sure that that is a central principle of this administration, because I think it's a central principle of America.

The New York Times

The central principle of the game is an attention to detail that is frankly obsessive.

The New Yorker

But Tasini told the Australian there was a central principle at stake.

The Guardian

And he returned to what was, for him, a central principle.

The New Yorker

They wanted an enactment of its central principle, its primary call: to pay attention.

The Guardian - Books

As Mr. Obama has learned, the central principle of Mrs. Clinton's combat style is simple endurance.

The New York Times

The cultivation and maintenance of its support was a central principle of Churchill's thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is not a central principle of Western democracy the subordination of the military to political leadership?

Independent

"The central principle was to return discretion to judges in drug cases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts or theories, use "central principle" to clearly identify the most important idea guiding the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "central principle" when referring to common guidelines or practices. Reserve it for fundamental concepts that underpin a system or belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central principle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a core, fundamental concept or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence, as seen in examples like "The central principle of the game is an attention to detail".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central principle" is a commonly used noun phrase that highlights a fundamental concept or idea. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When writing, it's crucial to reserve "central principle" for foundational concepts rather than general rules. Related phrases like "core tenet" or "fundamental concept" can be used for a similar meaning. Using "central principle" effectively involves emphasizing the core foundation of an argument or theory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core tenet

Replaces "principle" with "tenet", emphasizing a fundamental belief or doctrine.

fundamental concept

Substitutes "principle" with "concept", highlighting the basic idea.

key principle

Uses "key" instead of "central" to denote importance.

primary tenet

Similar to "core tenet", but uses "primary" to indicate the most important belief.

basic principle

Replaces "central" with "basic", focusing on the foundational aspect.

main principle

Uses "main" to emphasize the most important principle.

essential concept

Highlights the necessity of the concept.

cornerstone principle

Emphasizes the foundational and indispensable nature of the principle.

underlying principle

Focuses on the principle that supports or forms the basis of something.

governing principle

Highlights the role of the principle in directing or controlling something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "central principle" in a sentence?

Use "central principle" to emphasize the core idea or foundation upon which an argument, theory, or system is built. For instance, "The "central principle" of democracy is the sovereignty of the people".

What are some alternatives to using "central principle"?

You can use alternatives such as "core tenet", "fundamental concept", or "key principle" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "central principle" in informal writing?

While "central principle" is more common in formal and academic contexts, it can be used in informal writing if you want to emphasize the importance of a particular concept or idea.

What is the difference between "central principle" and "general rule"?

"Central principle" refers to a fundamental concept that underpins a system or belief, while "general rule" refers to a common guideline or practice. The "central principle" is foundational, whereas a general rule is more practical.