foundational principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundational principles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basic concepts or underlying rules that form the basis of a system, theory, or belief. Example: "The foundational principles of democracy include equality, freedom, and justice for all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are the foundational principles of the Earth Statement.

The Guardian

I do not start with these foundational principles because the court openly disagrees with them.

The New York Times

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, called the law "abhorrent to the foundational principles" of the country.

The New York Times - Health

Buddhism's foundational principles, the Four Noble Truths taught by the Buddha 2,500 years ago, seem well suited to prison life.

The New York Times

While the demographics unit was officially disbanded in 2014, its findings are still used, critics say, and its foundational principles and methodologies are still utilized and dispensed.

The Guardian

"It established the foundational principles for how you manage convicts," he said, "to get the most work from them with the least possible investment of public funds".

The New York Times - Arts

Through its mishandling of this issue, the IOC has departed from the foundational principles of the World Anti-Doping Code to which the governments of the world and all stakeholders in the Olympic Movement have committed.

The Guardian - Sport

While some alumnae have readily accepted the presence of trans students on their campuses, others, like Suzanne Corriell and Regis Ahern, graduates of Mount Holyoke, see it as a betrayal of the foundational principles of their alma mater.

The New York Times - Magazine

Geomorphology — the study of landforms and the processes that shape them — is among the few branches of geology that did not have to rewrite its foundational principles after the plate-tectonics revolution of the nineteen-sixties.

The New Yorker

In the case of terrorism, however, it can be argued that the foundational principles of a free and democratic society take precedence over a principle protecting a particular administration and political institution.

The New York Times

Its title borrowed from Moholy-Nagy, the book set out a series of stern foundational principles for good design: the use of sans-serif fonts, standardised paper sizes, photographs rather than drawn illustrations, asymmetrical rather than centred layouts.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or academic writing, pair "foundational principles" with specific examples or illustrations to enhance understanding and demonstrate their practical application. Avoid generalizations and provide concrete evidence to support your claims.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational principles" as a generic placeholder for any important idea. Ensure that you are referring to the most fundamental and essential elements of the subject at hand, rather than simply important or significant aspects. If a concept isn't genuinely fundamental, opt for terms like "key factors" or "important considerations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational principles" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the essential concepts, rules, or assumptions upon which a system, theory, or argument is based. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts like climate change, law, Buddhism, and design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foundational principles" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that refers to the core concepts or rules upon which something is built. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears across diverse domains such as news, science, and business. The phrase is effective in establishing a strong basis for arguments and explanations. When using "foundational principles", ensure clear context and consider related phrases like "fundamental principles" or "core tenets" for nuanced communication. By providing practical advice and examples, this analysis aims to help you use "foundational principles" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental principles

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the principles, similar to "foundational principles".

cornerstones

Emphasizes the fundamental and indispensable nature of the principles, suggesting that they are the basis upon which everything else is built.

underlying principles

Stresses the principles that exist beneath the surface and support something. This highlights the supporting role of the principles.

core tenets

Highlights the central beliefs or doctrines that underpin a system or ideology. Tenets implies a more formal or structured set of beliefs.

basic precepts

Focuses on rules or guidelines that govern conduct or thought. Precepts suggests a more directive or instructive quality.

key doctrines

Highlights formally stated principles or beliefs. Doctrines often carry a connotation of being officially sanctioned.

central axioms

Refers to self-evident truths or principles that form the basis of a system of reasoning. Axioms suggests a higher degree of certainty.

primary assumptions

Focuses on the beliefs that are taken for granted as the basis for an argument or system. Assumptions may be less explicit than principles.

essential elements

Highlights the crucial components that are necessary for something to function or exist. Elements suggests a broader scope than principles.

building blocks

Emphasizes the role of the principles as fundamental components used to construct something larger. "Building blocks" may imply a more modular or incremental approach.

FAQs

How do you use "foundational principles" in a sentence?

You can use "foundational principles" to refer to the basic ideas that support something. For example: "Understanding the "fundamental principles" is essential for success in this field."

What are some alternatives to "foundational principles"?

Some alternatives to "foundational principles" include "core tenets", "basic precepts", and "underlying principles". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "foundational principles" or "fundamental principles"?

"Foundational principles" and "fundamental principles" are often interchangeable. "Fundamental" may emphasize the essential nature more directly, while "foundational" highlights the role as a base or support.

What's the difference between "foundational principles" and "core values"?

"Foundational principles" typically refer to the basic rules or ideas that a system is built upon, while "core values" describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that an organization or individual holds. Principles are more structural, values are more ethical.