driven by principle

USAGE SUMMARY

'driven by principle' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's actions motivated by a strong sense of morality, convictions, or strong beliefs. For example: "Seeking truth and justice, she was driven by principle to fight for a better future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The worrying thought is that they might not be that in being driven by principle, our principled person will distort the relevance of relevant features by insisting on filtering them through principles, in a way that is at odds with the falsehood of generalism.

SEP

"Her situation is remarkably similar, she is one of those extraordinary people driven by principle who are determined to bring about change peacefully".

The Guardian

In response, Mr. Bush is painting himself as a profile in courage, a man driven by principle to force a huge tax break down the electorate's throat.

The New York Times

Woodford has said that he was driven by principle and the desire to expose what happened in an effort to "make us all safer".

Independent

But his moves have focused new attention on the extent to which he may risk sacrificing the image he has long cultivated of being his own man, driven by principle rather than partisan politics.

The New York Times

– Representative Howard Berman of California: The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Berman's endorsement seems well timed given the furor over President Bush's comments in Israel today: Barack Obama has laid out a foreign policy vision driven by principle and conviction, and he understands that our moral authority and our safety as a nation go hand in hand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We want a party led by people driven by principles and not by chauffeurs".

The Guardian

It's a nice soundbite, although of course you can be driven by principles and chauffeurs.

The Guardian

Social workers are trained to consider the person and their needs in the whole, and assessment models are driven by principles of self-determination, dignity and respect.

The Guardian

Your article reports that Ms. Piven views Mr. Moynihan's political life as an impediment to sound research, but let's consider the alternative: political agendas not driven by principles but by polling results.

The New York Times

We suggest that birdsong potency might be driven by principles similar to those that make music so effective in inducing emotional responses in humans: a combination of rhythms and pitches and the transitions between acoustic states affecting emotions through creating expectations, anticipations, tension, tension release, or surprise.

Hearing Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "driven by principle", ensure the principle is clearly defined or easily understood within the context. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid implying that someone "driven by principle" is inflexible or incapable of adapting to new information. Principles should guide actions, not dictate them rigidly, so acknowledge nuance where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven by principle" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the motivating force behind an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its role in attributing actions to a strong moral compass.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "driven by principle" describes actions motivated by strong moral beliefs, ethical standards, or core values. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English writing. While it is not extremely common, its use across news, science, and academic sources confirms its versatility and acceptance. The most frequent authoritative sources that use it are The New York Times and The Guardian. To enhance clarity, define the principle being referenced when using the phrase. Remember that being "driven by principle" doesn't necessarily mean inflexibility; principles guide actions, but sound judgment is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by conviction

This highlights the strength of belief as the main impetus behind actions, focusing on personal certainty.

inspired by principles

This suggests that principles serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, driving individuals to act.

ethically motivated

This highlights the ethical and moral considerations guiding actions, underlining the importance of moral standards.

acting on beliefs

This emphasizes the direct connection between holding a belief and taking action based on it, focusing on agency.

guided by ethics

This alternative emphasizes moral considerations as the primary driver, rather than a broader set of principles.

morally grounded

This emphasizes the deep-seated moral foundation that influences behavior, suggesting a firm ethical base.

adhering to convictions

This highlights the act of steadfastly following one's beliefs, suggesting a commitment to personal principles.

led by moral compass

This uses a metaphor to suggest internal guidance based on morality, implying a strong sense of right and wrong.

rooted in values

This underscores the importance of core values as the foundation of actions, suggesting that decisions are based on fundamental beliefs.

guided by ideals

This focuses on the role of aspirations and perfect standards as drivers, suggesting a focus on achieving higher goals.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "driven by principle"?

To be "driven by principle" means that someone's actions and decisions are primarily motivated by their strong moral beliefs and values rather than personal gain or external pressures.

How can I use the phrase "driven by principle" in a sentence?

You can use "driven by principle" to describe individuals or organizations that consistently act in accordance with their stated beliefs. For example, "The organization's commitment to sustainability shows that it is "driven by principle"."

What are some alternative phrases to "driven by principle"?

Alternatives include phrases like "guided by ethics", "motivated by conviction", or "led by moral compass", which all emphasize the importance of moral or ethical considerations.

Is it better to be "driven by principle" or "driven by practicality"?

Neither is inherently better. Being "driven by principle" emphasizes ethical considerations, while being driven by practicality focuses on effectiveness. The best approach depends on the specific situation and goals.