doctrine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doctrine" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a group, especially in a religious, legal, or political context. Example: "The doctrine of the church emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness in all aspects of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet, inside Fianna Fáil, there is some optimism that the doctrine of MAD, Irish style, will prevail.

The Guardian

Astonishingly, ECB chairman Jean-Claude Trichet said in a press conference on Thursday that the central bank had to stick to its "doctrine" – a word closer to strict Catholic rule than to the ever changing financial markets.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was a time of great papal wealth and, in Wycliffe's view, corruption – he devised a doctrine which declared that the only source of God's authority was the Bible, not the papacy, and argued for the vast power held by the church to be secularised.

The Guardian

He will say: "Under the doctrine of state multiculturalism we have encouraged different cultures to live separate lives, apart from each other and the mainstream.

The Guardian

"Tsipras knows this is not about Varoufakis, but his government, because it has dared to take on the system that is Europe's neoliberal doctrine.

The Guardian

A central notion of Stoicism, the philosophical doctrine with which Seneca is most closely identified, was the idea that being virtuous is the only truly beneficial thing, and the only thing that can make a person truly happy: wealth, like health, freedom and status, is a merely "indifferent thing".

The Guardian - Books

On either side of the Irish border, there exists, at present, an electoral version of the cold war doctrine of mutually assured destruction.

The Guardian

The current pope is preaching doctrine denied by Pius X.

The Guardian

An economic doctrine that stressed the importance of the money supply as an instrument of economic policy.

The Guardian - Business

Although he is considered orthodox on doctrine, he is apparently flexible on sexual doctrine and, in private, joked "they want to stick the whole world inside a condom".

The Guardian

Our communities understood the doctrine from Thatcher: they knew it was about the break-up of communities, the break-up of society, and the fact you shouldn't show feeling for others.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doctrine", ensure the context clearly establishes the system of beliefs or principles being referenced. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "doctrine" to refer to isolated beliefs or opinions. "Doctrine" implies a comprehensive, interconnected system of thought, not just a single idea.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "doctrine" is as a noun. It typically refers to a set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a group, especially in religious, legal, or political contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig. Ludwig confirms its role in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doctrine" functions as a noun that denotes a system of beliefs or principles, often within a formal context such as religion, politics, or law. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from sources like The Guardian and The Economist, along with the analysis, show that "doctrine" is prevalent in news, business, and scientific domains. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the system of beliefs you are referencing. Remember to avoid confusing it with isolated beliefs or opinions, as "doctrine" represents a interconnected framework. Common synonyms include "tenet", "principle", and "ideology".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenet

Refers to a specific principle or belief within a larger system, rather than the whole system itself.

principle

Highlights a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

teaching

Focuses more on the act of imparting knowledge, less on the codified belief system.

belief system

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of various beliefs within a structured framework.

creed

Often used in a religious context to denote a formal statement of beliefs.

ideology

Suggests a comprehensive set of ideas, often with political or economic implications.

dogma

Implies a more rigid and unquestionable set of beliefs.

canon

Refers to a set of rules or principles, often in a religious or artistic context.

philosophy

Encompasses a broader range of intellectual and ethical considerations.

school of thought

Denotes a particular perspective or approach within a specific field.

FAQs

How can I use "doctrine" in a sentence?

You can use "doctrine" to refer to a set of beliefs or principles taught or held by a particular group or organization. For example, "The church's central "doctrine" is that God is love."

What's a good synonym for "doctrine"?

Depending on the context, suitable synonyms for "doctrine" include "teaching", "tenet", "principle", "ideology", or "dogma".

What's the difference between "doctrine" and "dogma"?

"Doctrine" refers to a set of beliefs or principles, while "dogma" often implies a more rigid, unquestionable, and authoritative set of beliefs.

Is "doctrine" always related to religion?

While "doctrine" is frequently used in religious contexts, it can also apply to other areas such as law, politics, or military strategy. It simply refers to a set of core beliefs or principles within a specific field.