erode principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erode principles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the gradual weakening or undermining of fundamental beliefs or values. Example: "The constant exposure to misinformation can erode principles that once seemed unshakeable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Whatever the good intentions of the former officers who've been nominated, having a host of former generals in traditionally civilian positions would begin to erode principles of civil-military relations central to democracy, including civilian control and the political neutrality of the armed forces.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Seductive as it might seem to the government to erode those principles, they are in fact fundamental to our everyday sense of trust and security.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a letter to the Daily Mail, the 702 lawyers say the special sittings would "fatally undermine" the fairness of court hearings and would "erode core principles of our civil justice system".

The Guardian

If there is now a new discordancy, it suggests that some Iranians no longer consider that common good to be good.Iran's domestic power struggle, a saga of tedious obstructionism that began when the reformists captured parliament two years ago, is gradually starting to erode revolutionary principles.

The Economist

As President Bush knocks down treaty after treaty, he erodes the principles of rule of law and multilateral cooperation that are critical in the post-Sept.

The New York Times

Clegg made clear that he would not let security concerns erode the principle of open justice".

The Guardian

But don't continue to erode the principle of freedom of speech by blowing one or two jokes out of proportion.

The Guardian

Such policies systematically incentivize racial profiling, ride roughshod over the right to privacy and erode the principle of innocent until proven guilty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Success Academy has attracted large donations — in the past two years, the hedge-fund manager Julian Robertson has given forty-five million dollars to the group — and Moskowitz's opponents say that such gifts erode the principle that a quality education should be provided by the government.

The New Yorker

To permit a conviction obtained in violation of Gideon v. Wainwright to be used against a person either to support guilt or enhance punishment for another offense (see Greer v. Beto, 384 U.S. 269, 86 S.Ct. 1477) is to erode the principle of that case.

Cornell University

In power, Labour has eroded both principles, while displaying restraint in the use of its expanded powers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "erode principles", consider the specific context and whether a more precise term might better convey the nuance of the situation. For example, "undermine values" or "weaken beliefs" might be more appropriate in some cases.

Common error

Avoid using "erode principles" in situations where the weakening is sudden or drastic. The phrase implies a gradual, almost imperceptible decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erode principles" functions as a verb phrase, where "erode" acts as a transitive verb taking "principles" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "erode principles" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the gradual weakening of fundamental beliefs or values. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, often expressing concern about the decline of societal or ethical standards. For more casual communication, consider using alternatives like "undermine values" or "weaken beliefs". When using "erode principles", be mindful of the gradual nature of the erosion implied by the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undermine values

Focuses on the weakening of values, a direct synonym in this context.

weaken beliefs

Highlights the lessening of conviction in established beliefs.

corrode values

Uses 'corrode' to emphasize a destructive and gradual decay of values.

degrade standards

Shifts focus to the lowering of established standards or benchmarks.

compromise integrity

Implicates a sacrifice of moral soundness or wholeness.

dilute principles

Indicates a weakening by mixture or modification.

attenuate convictions

Stresses the reduction in the force or intensity of convictions.

sap the foundation

Emphasizes the gradual weakening of a base or support.

undermine the basis

Focuses on weakening the fundamental support or reason for something.

jeopardize tenets

Indicates putting core beliefs at risk.

FAQs

How can I use "erode principles" in a sentence?

You can use "erode principles" to describe a situation where fundamental beliefs or values are gradually weakened over time. For example: "The constant exposure to misinformation can erode principles that once seemed unshakeable."

What can I say instead of "erode principles"?

You can use alternatives like "undermine values", "weaken beliefs", or "corrode values" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "principles are eroding"?

Yes, "principles are eroding" is grammatically correct and means that the principles are gradually being weakened or undermined. It's a passive form of the phrase "erode principles".

What is the difference between "erode principles" and "violate principles"?

"Erode principles" suggests a gradual weakening or undermining over time, while "violate principles" implies a direct and explicit breach or transgression of those principles. The first is subtle, while the second is overt.