essential values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essential values" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to fundamental beliefs or principles that are considered important or necessary in a particular context. Example: "In our organization, we strive to uphold our essential values of integrity, respect, and teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

One is policy, and the essential values that underlay it.

The Guardian

That way lies a diminution of essential values that most of us cherish.

The Guardian - Opinion

Politicians forgot to create a canon of essential values.

The Economist

Mr. Tiezzi's treatment of "Simon Boccanegra" as such respects its essential values.

The New York Times - Arts

Our generation has a chance to reclaim some essential values, to show we have grown up before we grow old.

The New York Times

However, the term is often used as precisely that – a shorthand for those essential values – rather than full partnership work and we should avoid confusing the two.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

As an artist, this is an essential value that can never be given up.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He came into office understanding the essential value of cultural institutions and artistic activity," said Randall Bourscheidt, president of the Alliance for the Arts, an advocacy group.

The New York Times - Arts

Anyone who attends courses and seminars appreciates that their essential value lies in meeting, listening and observing others, the sharing of skills and discussion.

The Guardian

Greece, Italy, Spain and Morocco have even asked Unesco to designate the diet as an "intangible piece of cultural heritage," a testament to its essential value as well as its potential extinction.

The New York Times

Yet his essential value to the team, considering his minutes and offensive deficiencies, make him an intriguing specimen.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational or societal beliefs, use "essential values" to underscore the non-negotiable principles guiding decisions and actions. This emphasizes their central role in maintaining integrity and achieving objectives.

Common error

Avoid diluting the impact of "essential values" by pairing it with overly general adjectives like "good" or "positive". Instead, specify the values, such as "honesty" or "compassion", to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essential values" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "essential" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "values". It identifies specific attributes or principles considered fundamental or indispensable. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is often used to describe the core beliefs or guiding principles of an individual, organization, or society.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "essential values" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote fundamental beliefs or principles that are considered indispensable. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across varied contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, its formality can vary. Alternatives such as "core values" or "fundamental principles" can be used depending on the nuance desired. When employing this phrase, specificity is key; avoid vague qualifiers and instead, clearly articulate the specific values you are referencing to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental values

Replaces "essential" with "fundamental", emphasizing the foundational nature of the values.

core values

Substitutes "essential" with "core", highlighting the central and most important values.

basic values

Uses "basic" instead of "essential", indicating the elementary or foundational nature of the values.

key values

Replaces "essential" with "key", emphasizing the importance and significance of the values.

necessary values

Substitutes "essential" with "necessary", highlighting the indispensable nature of the values.

important values

Uses "important" instead of "essential", indicating the significance and relevance of the values.

vital principles

Replaces both words with synonyms emphasizing the importance of these guiding rules.

critical ideals

Suggests crucial beliefs that are important for a person or system.

fundamental tenets

Uses more formal language to indicate basic and important principles or beliefs.

intrinsic worth

Shifts focus to the inherent value and importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "essential values" in a sentence?

You can use "essential values" to describe the core principles that guide behavior or decisions, such as: "Our company's success is rooted in its "essential values" of integrity and customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "essential values"?

Alternatives include "core values", "fundamental principles", or "basic beliefs" depending on the specific context.

Is "essential values" the same as "moral values"?

"Essential values" refers to foundational beliefs guiding behavior, while "moral values" specifically relates to principles concerning right and wrong conduct. The terms overlap but aren't interchangeable.

What makes values "essential"?

Values become "essential" when they are considered indispensable or fundamental to the identity, function, or success of an individual, group, or organization. They are the non-negotiable principles that define character and guide action.