define a principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define a principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or clarify the meaning of a specific principle or concept. Example: "In our discussion, it is essential to define a principle that guides our ethical decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

All RMP species have both short- and long-form pirs, indicating that the presence or absence of an extended repetitive region has evolved once and defines a principle division in pir diversity.

BMC Biology

Together, our findings define a general principle for how the widespread four-helix bundle cytoplasmic domain architecture can control VGIC responses, uncover a mechanism underlying the diverse BacNaV voltage dependencies, and demonstrate that a discrete domain can encode the temperature-dependent response of a channel.

Cell

For example, in Figure 2A, providing the precise model parameters that drive a shrinking basin of attraction might have helped to define a design principle.

eLife

Together, these results define an elegant principle of neural circuit organization: a developmental circuit switch directly analogous to an electrical changeover (or single pole, double throw, SPDT) switch that efficiently reroutes a common input signal to one of two possible outputs.

Cell

In this regard, these communities can leverage the collective knowledge of the existing humanitarian organizations available in the form of the "humanitarian principles" (Humanitarian Principles) that define a set of universal principles for humanitarian action based on international humanitarian law.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

For example, principle component analysis [ 3, 4] (an unsupervised method) uses the largest variation in the data to define a first axis (principle component).

BMC Medical Genomics

If the creation of the shaded galleries follows a construction rule, in the rods that define a gap, here a principle wins that is not only tectonic.

City, Territory and Architecture

But, in general, Balaguer would define a different plenitude principle for every different kind of abstract object.

SEP

For this context, we define a biological operating principle to be an abstract, inferential representation of an action within a reliably behaved cell system.

BMC Systems Biology

In recent years, however, center-left intellectuals including Bruce Ackerman, William Galston, John E. Schwarz and Michael Tomasky have sought to define a body of principles that could inform a practical liberal politics.

The New York Times - Books

The data analysis results, at this moment, provided information to start to define a set of principles to design a framework for clinical support to improve healthcare services.

Procedia Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define a principle", ensure you provide a clear and concise explanation of the principle's core components and intended application.

Common error

Avoid defining a principle in overly abstract or ambiguous terms. Always provide concrete examples or applications to illustrate its practical meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define a principle" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to introduce a formal explanation or clarification of a guiding rule, concept, or fundamental truth. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define a principle" serves as a crucial verb phrase, especially in formal contexts, for clearly explaining or clarifying a fundamental concept. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the limited number of direct examples suggest a need for careful contextual application. Alternatives such as "establish a principle" or "formulate a principle" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, prioritize clarity and provide concrete examples to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a principle

Focuses on setting up or creating a principle, rather than just defining it.

identify a principle

Emphasizes recognizing or discovering a pre-existing principle.

formulate a principle

Highlights the act of putting a principle into a clear and concise form.

articulate a principle

Focuses on expressing a principle clearly and effectively.

elucidate a principle

Suggests making a principle more understandable through explanation.

determine a principle

Implies a process of investigation or reasoning to arrive at a principle.

outline a principle

Focuses on presenting the main features or aspects of a principle.

specify a principle

Highlights providing precise details or conditions for a principle.

interpret a principle

Emphasizes understanding and explaining the meaning of a principle.

develop a principle

Suggests a more extensive process of creating and refining a principle.

FAQs

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

Use "define a principle" to introduce a formal explanation or clarification of a guiding rule or concept. For instance, "Before proceeding, we must define a principle that will govern our decision-making process."

What are some alternatives to saying "define a principle"?

You can use alternatives such as "establish a principle", "identify a principle", or "formulate a principle depending on the context.

What's the difference between "define a principle" and "apply a principle"?

"Define a principle" focuses on explaining and clarifying the meaning of a principle, while "apply a principle" involves using that principle in a specific situation or context.

Is it better to "define a principle" or "develop a principle"?

The choice depends on the context. "Define a principle" is suitable when clarifying an existing principle. "Develop a principle" suggests a process of creating and refining a new guiding rule.