central tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central tenet" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to refer to a core belief or principle that is essential to a particular ideology, philosophy, or system. Here are a few examples: 1. "The central tenet of Buddhism is the concept of impermanence." 2. "Freedom of speech is a central tenet of democracy." 3. "Honesty is a central tenet of our company's values." 4. "The central tenet of the scientific method is empiricism." 5. "According to the theory of evolution, natural selection is a central tenet in the development of species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is also THE central tenet of good writing.

Yale University

Belief in evolution is a central tenet of that religion.

Cornell University

Closure of wounds is a central tenet of reconstructive surgery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This central tenet of scholarly publishing is changing, too.

The Economist

No wonder it formed a central tenet of his thinking.

Independent

He said public service was a central tenet of patriotism.

The New York Times

A central tenet of American conservatism is to decentralise power.

The Economist

He also later disavowed a central tenet of the deal.

The New York Times

The central tenet of Mustachianism is "financial freedom through badassity".

The New Yorker

A central tenet of molecular biology is that heritable information is stored in nucleic acids.

Stanford University

But that trend, a central tenet of the nation's success mythology, has slackened, particularly for minorities.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "central tenet" when you want to emphasize a core belief or principle that is essential and fundamental to a system, ideology, or practice. It is suitable for formal and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "central tenet" in very informal or casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "core belief" or "main idea" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central tenet" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is a correct and commonly used expression in written English, referring to a fundamental principle or belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

25%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "central tenet" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight a fundamental principle or belief across various domains, primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for formal writing, and can be replaced by alternatives like "core belief" or "fundamental principle" in more casual settings. Understanding its appropriate usage and context ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core belief

Replaces "tenet" with a more general term for a belief held as fundamental.

fundamental principle

Substitutes both "central" and "tenet" with synonyms that highlight the foundational nature of the concept.

basic doctrine

Emphasizes the teaching or set of beliefs held by a group, replacing "tenet" with "doctrine".

key concept

Focuses on the importance of an idea, rather than a principle or belief.

cornerstone of

Uses a metaphor to describe the foundational importance of the principle or belief.

essential element

Highlights the necessity of the component, shifting from a belief to a necessary part.

underlying assumption

Focuses on the implicit beliefs that support a system of thought.

guiding philosophy

Highlights the role of the tenet as a guide for behavior and thought.

primary focus

Shifts the emphasis to what is most important or receives the most attention.

mainstay

Describes something relied on for support or stability.

FAQs

How can I use "central tenet" in a sentence?

You can use "central tenet" to describe a fundamental principle or belief, as in "A "central tenet" of democracy is freedom of speech".

What are some alternatives to "central tenet"?

Some alternatives include "core belief", "fundamental principle", or "key concept", depending on the specific context.

Is "central tenet" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "central tenet" is best suited for formal or academic writing. In more casual contexts, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "central tenet" and "core belief"?

"Central tenet" and "core belief" are similar, but "central tenet" often implies a more structured or formally recognized principle, whereas "core belief" can be more personal or informal.