elementary principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elementary principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental concept or basic rule that serves as the foundation for a system or theory. Example: "Understanding the elementary principle of gravity is essential for studying physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Except a meaningful grasp of the elementary principle that nobody wants to follow a scowling, sullen, self-absorbed leader.

The New York Times - Sports

One choice, always, is to follow the Hippocratic principle: 'First, do no harm.' If you can think of no way to adhere to that elementary principle, then do nothing.

The Guardian

Because he violated the most elementary principle of diplomacy by drawing a line in the sand, he cannot do nothing in Syria, although there is nothing he can do.

The New York Times

In the same document, John Paul described the "intervention of governmental authority" on behalf of the defenceless as "an elementary principle of sound political organisation" taught by the church for a century.

The Guardian - Opinion

We test scientific claims by means of their implications, and it is an elementary principle of logic that claims whose implications are true need not themselves be true.

SEP

The movement of fish, which move in schools and avoid obstacles en masse, is the elementary principle of the algorithm that the locomotion of the robots is built on.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Without naming China, a North Korean statement accused it of "abandoning without hesitation even elementary principles".

The Economist

The decisions are incompatible with the most elementary principles of fairness, rationality and good administration.

The Guardian

'There are two elementary principles: first take your people with you.

The Guardian

However, that defanging process infringed the most elementary principles of human rights.

The Economist

This president, who has an M.B.A. from Harvard, consistently violates the elementary principles of business common sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "elementary principle", ensure that the principle you are referring to is genuinely basic and foundational to the topic at hand. Avoid using it for more complex or nuanced concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "elementary principle" to describe a concept that, while important, requires significant prior knowledge or expertise to fully understand. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elementary principle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a core concept or rule that serves as a foundation for further understanding or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elementary principle" is a noun phrase used to denote a fundamental or basic concept, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and appears most often in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage is consistent and appropriate. Related phrases include "basic tenet" and "fundamental concept". When using "elementary principle", ensure the concept genuinely is basic, and avoid overstating its simplicity. The provided examples from Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's utility in conveying foundational ideas across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first principle

Replaces 'elementary' with 'first', highlighting the initial or most important principle.

key principle

Replaces 'elementary' with 'key', emphasizing the essential or crucial nature of the principle.

basic tenet

Replaces 'principle' with 'tenet', implying a core belief or doctrine instead of a general rule.

fundamental concept

Substitutes 'principle' with 'concept', emphasizing an idea or notion as the foundation.

initial concept

Highlights that it is the starting point or first in a series of concepts.

core idea

Replaces both 'elementary' and 'principle' with simpler terms, focusing on the central thought.

foundational rule

Replaces 'principle' with 'rule', suggesting a regulation or guideline as the base.

rudimentary principle

It describes something as being in an initial or undeveloped form or stage

primary law

Substitutes 'elementary' with 'primary' and 'principle' with 'law', indicating a fundamental regulation or axiom.

simple rule

Emphasizes the easy-to-understand nature of the rule.

FAQs

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

Use "elementary principle" to introduce a fundamental concept or rule that is essential for understanding a subject. For instance, "Understanding the elementary principle of supply and demand is crucial for economics".

What are some alternatives to saying "elementary principle"?

You can use alternatives like "basic principle", "fundamental concept", or "core idea" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify that a principle is "elementary"?

No, it's not always necessary. Using just "principle" may suffice if the context already implies that it's a foundational concept. The addition of "elementary" emphasizes its basic nature.

In what fields is the phrase "elementary principle" most commonly used?

The phrase is commonly used in fields like science, mathematics, economics, and philosophy when discussing the fundamental concepts of these disciplines.