establish a principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish a principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to create or establish a fundamental rule or guideline. Example: "The new policy will establish a principle of transparency in all business transactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I want eventually to establish a principle that every manuscript should be published".

The New York Times - Books

He was referring to the European Union's effort to establish a principle to justify bans on imports considered harmful to the environment or public health.

The New York Times

Alongside the provision of new social housing, Howard's garden cities helped establish a principle still embedded in planning regulations today: the separation of work and home.

The Guardian

This could establish a principle that it's cruel and unusual punishment to impose a sentence of death on someone if they are intellectually disabled or suffer from significant mental illness".

The Guardian

"We need to establish a principle that allows countries to choose whether they want to be in closer union with each other, or – like Britain and possibly some Nordic countries and Poland; those that want a Europe of nation states – inside the EU but outside the eurozone.

Independent

"I think we got to establish a principle once and for all that you own your data, period," Wyden said.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Most significantly, the courts have established a principle that the "misuse of private information" counts as a wrongdoing, or tort.

The Guardian

It established a principle that voting-district lines must be drawn so that African-American politicians have some chance of winning federal and state office.

The New Yorker

Its five years in office were dismal; it held on only because Mr Sharif, establishing a principle of "friendly opposition", refused to join efforts to topple it.

The Economist

But its real importance may come from whether it establishes a principle that seems obvious to anyone but an auditor: It is material information for investors if a company is trying to report fraudulent profits, regardless of the amount.

The New York Times

But by his persistence Joyce established a principle, which is that the artist must have absolute freedom to work with the world he or she has stumbled across, the world as it is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider providing examples or scenarios to illustrate how the principle should be applied in practice.

Common error

Avoid establishing principles that are too broad or vague. A principle that lacks specificity can be difficult to apply consistently and may lead to unintended consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a principle" functions as a verb phrase where "establish" is the verb and "a principle" is the noun phrase acting as the object. It indicates the action of creating or setting up a fundamental rule or guideline.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish a principle" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of creating or instituting a fundamental rule or guideline. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing in various contexts such as news media, science, and business. Its purpose is to introduce a new standard that influences future decisions. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are essential to ensure the principle is effectively understood and applied. Alternatives such as "institute a tenet" or "formulate a rule" can be used to add nuance to the message. Overall, mastering the use of "establish a principle" contributes to clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

institute a tenet

Focuses on the formal introduction of a belief or doctrine.

formulate a rule

Highlights the creation and articulation of a specific guideline.

set a precedent

Emphasizes the creation of a standard for future actions or decisions.

lay down a law

Implies a more authoritative and formal establishment of a regulation.

define a standard

Centers on the precise definition of a specific benchmark or criterion.

found a doctrine

Relates to the creation of a core set of beliefs or principles.

introduce a norm

Focuses on establishing a common practice or expectation.

enact a regulation

Highlights the formal process of putting a rule into effect.

develop a guideline

Emphasizes the creation of a set of recommendations.

originate a concept

Focuses on the creation and introduction of a new idea or notion.

FAQs

How can I use "establish a principle" in a sentence?

You can use "establish a principle" to introduce a new fundamental rule or guideline. For example, "The new policy will "establish a principle" of transparency in all financial transactions."

What's a good alternative to "establish a principle"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "formulate a rule", "set a precedent", or "institute a tenet".

What does it mean to "establish a principle"?

To "establish a principle" means to create, define, and implement a fundamental rule, belief, or guideline that serves as a foundation for future actions or decisions.

Is it better to "establish a principle" or "enact a principle"?

While both phrases are valid, "establish a principle" focuses on the creation and definition, while "enact a principle" emphasizes the formal implementation or enforcement of the principle.