constitution

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "constitution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. For example, "The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and all citizens must abide by it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Do you not have a heavy burden of justification to show authorisation under the constitution?" he asked the US solicitor-general, Donald Verrilli, who was defending the law.

The Guardian

The 10% hurdle, dating from the military-authored constitution of 1980, had been intended in part to diminish Kurdish representation in the parliament.

The Guardian

The same day, Carmody issued a media statement via a spokesman that "the constitution of the court of disputed returns is a matter for the chief justice under the electoral act".

The Guardian

The Scottish referendum, coupled with the Smith commission on implementing its devolution concessions in Scotland, may have put the constitution on the agenda – even so, Whitehall fought Osborne down to the wire.

The Guardian

"I'm for looking at all of the terrorists' records – I just want their name on the warrant and I just want it to be signed by a judge just like the constitution says".

The Guardian

Its report on the constitution of the party was instrumental in the introduction of "one member one vote" and made the original recommendation for the replacement of Clause IV.

The Guardian

Welcome to Uzbekistan, a country bigger than Germany, with a population of 31 million, where Islam Karimov is now embarking on a fourth term of office, even though the constitution stipulates a two-term maximum for heads of state.

The Guardian

No matter how hard parts of the media have tried to brand her "the greatest threat to the constitution since the abdication crisis" – bigger even than the second world war, apparently – many people still see her on TV and think she looks like a half-decent person and politician.

The Guardian - Opinion

The vote offered to "alter the constitution to establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a republic with the Queen and governor general being replaced by a president appointed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Commonwealth parliament", and also included a second question about inserting a preamble in the constitution.

The Guardian

Evans said he was attending to protest the "shredding of the constitution" and added that he was happy that "you guys on the left are finally starting to see it".

The Guardian

He adds, 'I've pointed out to a few people that the constitution does not even mention the prime minister, let alone what house he serves in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying which "constitution" you're referencing, especially in contexts where multiple constitutions could be relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "constitution" to refer to minor organizational rules. Reserve it for foundational legal documents of states or core governing principles of significant organizations.

Linguistic Context

The word "constitution" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the system of fundamental principles according to which a nation, state, or body is governed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "constitution" is a noun of neutral register, predominantly used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct. It refers to the fundamental principles that govern a state or organization. Related phrases include "fundamental law", "governing charter", and "constitutional framework". When using the word "constitution", it's vital to specify the entity to which it applies, to avoid vagueness. The examples provided by Ludwig are helpful for understanding the many application of this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental law

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the constitution as the basis of legal principles.

organic law

Similar to fundamental law, stressing the inherent and essential nature of the constitution.

governing charter

Highlights the role of the constitution as a document that charters and governs a state or organization.

constitutional framework

Focuses on the structure and system established by the constitution.

body of laws

Refers to the collection of legal principles and statutes that constitute the basis of a government or organization.

legal foundation

Underlines the idea that a constitution provides the legal basis for a system.

basic principles

Highlights the core concepts and tenets that form the groundwork of a constitution.

charter of rights

Focuses on the aspect of a constitution that guarantees and protects individual rights.

system of governance

Shifts the focus to the practical application of the constitution in governing a state.

political system

Broader term referring to the set of formal legal institutions that constitute a government or a state.

FAQs

How is the word "constitution" typically used in a sentence?

The word "constitution" is used to refer to the fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed. For example, "The country's "constitution" ensures the separation of powers."

What are some alternative terms for "constitution"?

Alternatives include "fundamental law", "governing charter", or "constitutional framework", each highlighting different aspects of the same concept.

Is it correct to use "constitution" when referring to a company's internal rules?

While technically you can refer to a company's internal rules as its "constitution", it's more appropriate to use terms like "bylaws", "charter", or "governing documents" to avoid confusion with national or state constitutions.

What is the difference between a "constitution" and a "statute"?

A "constitution" is the foundational document establishing the framework of a government, while a "statute" is a law enacted by a legislative body. The "statute" must comply with the principles outlined in the "constitution".