from a position of principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a position of principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or decisions that are based on strong moral or ethical beliefs. Example: "She refused to compromise on the issue, standing firm from a position of principle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Japan can afford to act from a position of principle.

The New York Times

Osborne said: "The prime minister is arguing from a position of principle about getting the right people and making sure the right people choose the leader of the European commission.

The Guardian

The real challenge is to speak, and to do so from a position of principle that is applied without distinction and increasingly without fear of those in power.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He actually has a position of principle from which he won't budge.He has a principle, based on his moral beliefs, that guides the political decisions he makes.

Huffington Post

Many businesses receive grants, but in the world of social enterprise, it's a position of principle not to.

The Guardian

Traditionally, museums have argued that they do not apply ideological litmus tests to their donors or trustees, a position of principle, but also one that enabled often cash-challenged nonprofit institutions to accept financing from the widest spectrum of individuals.

The New York Times - Arts

From an ethical perspective, clinical research should evolve from a position of paternalistic beneficence to a situation in which the principle of non-maleficence and patient autonomy predominate.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

You criticise Khan for apparently dodging competitive bouts and you do so from a position of total ignorance, taking pride in the fact that you "avoid" watching Khan's fights "out of principle".

BBC

From a position of cordial dislike in 2003, the government announced itself in favour of new nuclear plants in principle as early as 2006.More recently ministers have been positively prescriptive, suggesting how many plants might be built and where.

The Economist

Beyond that, it seems that little more than a statement of principles for national bail-outs can be expected, suggesting that Europe will continue to face the crisis from a position of institutional weakness.

The Economist

Talk from a position of strength.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from a position of principle", ensure that the principle is clearly defined and understood by your audience to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He acted from a position of principle", specify the principle: "He acted from a position of principle, refusing to compromise his commitment to environmental sustainability."

Common error

Avoid using "from a position of principle" as a vague justification. Always provide specific details about the principle guiding the action. Instead of just stating someone is acting "from a position of principle", explain what that principle is and why it's important in that specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a position of principle" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by explaining the motivation or reason behind an action. It indicates that the action stems from deeply held beliefs or ethical standards, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from a position of principle" is used to indicate that an action or decision is motivated by strong moral or ethical beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, it is relatively rare. When employing the phrase, ensure the guiding principle is clearly articulated. Related phrases include "on grounds of principle" and "based on moral grounds". Overall, using this phrase effectively enhances the perceived integrity and conviction behind an action or statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting on principle

A more concise version, omitting "from a position of" for brevity.

on grounds of principle

Replaces "position" with "grounds", emphasizing the foundational aspect of the principle.

based on moral grounds

Shifts focus to the moral basis of the action or decision.

out of ethical considerations

Highlights the ethical reasoning behind a decision, moving away from the concept of a "position".

guided by core values

Emphasizes that actions are driven by deeply held beliefs.

driven by strong convictions

Focuses on the strength of the belief as the motivator.

with unwavering integrity

Highlights the aspect of integrity and steadfastness in adhering to principles.

in accordance with ethical standards

Formal alternative emphasizing adherence to established ethical guidelines.

adhering to moral imperatives

Highlights the compelling nature of the moral beliefs guiding the action.

stemming from ethical commitments

Emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the ethical beliefs influencing the decision.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "from a position of principle" in a sentence?

To effectively use "from a position of principle", ensure that the principle is explicitly stated or clearly implied within the context. For example: "She argued "from a position of principle", advocating for equal rights for all citizens."

What are some alternatives to saying "from a position of principle"?

You can use alternatives like "on grounds of principle", "based on moral grounds", or "out of ethical considerations" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the principle when using the phrase "from a position of principle"?

While not always required, explicitly stating the principle clarifies your intent and strengthens your argument. If the principle is well-known or universally accepted, it may be implied, but for nuanced or controversial issues, clarity is key. Consider rephrasing as "guided by core values" for a broader approach.

What's the difference between acting "from a position of principle" and acting "out of self-interest"?

Acting "from a position of principle" implies that decisions are based on moral or ethical beliefs, regardless of personal gain or loss. Acting "out of self-interest", on the other hand, means decisions are primarily motivated by personal benefit, potentially conflicting with ethical considerations.