fundamental principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a basic or essential rule, belief, or assumption that serves as the foundation for a system of behavior or thought. For example: "Living responsibly is the fundamental principle of a happy life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Fundamental principle of equal sovereignty"?

The New York Times

Its fundamental principle is misdirection.

MIT Technology Review

For me, this is the fundamental principle.

The Guardian

"The fundamental principle was always the same," she says.

The Guardian - Business

Never has a fundamental principle come to sound so hollow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Javid says there is a "fundamental principle" here.

The Guardian

He has a fundamental principle: we don't leave troops behind.

The Guardian

This is a fundamental principle of human rights.

The Guardian

He writes of "liberalism, that fundamental principle of modernism".

The New York Times - Books

"There is a fundamental principle at stake," said Dieter.

The Guardian

It is a fundamental principle of American federalism.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental principle" to introduce core concepts, especially when explaining complex systems or abstract ideas. This helps readers quickly grasp the underlying basis of your discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental principle" to describe routine guidelines or minor rules. This dilutes its impact and suggests that you may not fully grasp the hierarchical importance of different concepts. Reserve it for truly foundational ideas.

Linguistic Context

Fundamental principle functions as a noun phrase, identifying a core belief, rule, or concept. Ludwig confirms this, showcasing its widespread use in various contexts to denote essential elements. For example, "This is a fundamental principle of human rights".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental principle" is a commonly used phrase that refers to a core rule, belief, or concept that acts as the foundation for something. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct and versatile, it's crucial to use it judiciously, reserving it for truly foundational ideas to avoid diluting its impact. Alternative phrases like "core tenet" or "key concept" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core tenet

Replaces "principle" with "tenet", emphasizing a belief or doctrine held as true.

basic rule

Substitutes "fundamental principle" with a more straightforward term, denoting an essential guideline.

key concept

Focuses on the conceptual nature of the principle, highlighting its importance as a central idea.

essential element

Highlights the indispensable nature of the principle, framing it as a crucial component.

foundational concept

Emphasizes that the concept is the base for other ideas.

underlying principle

Focuses on the principle that supports the thing described.

central idea

Replaces "fundamental principle" with a more generic expression, referring to a main idea.

cornerstone principle

Highlights its characteristic of being a base principle.

primary concept

Highlights the characteristic of being a concept of primary importance.

cardinal principle

Cardinal stresses the idea of something being extremely important or fundamental.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "fundamental principle" in a sentence?

Use "fundamental principle" to introduce an idea or concept that acts as a foundation for a broader system or theory. For example, "The "separation of powers" is a fundamental principle of democracy".

What phrases can I use instead of "fundamental principle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "core tenet", "basic rule", or "key concept".

Is there a difference between "fundamental principle" and "basic principle"?

While both are similar, "fundamental principle" often implies a more foundational and critical role than "basic principle". "Fundamental" suggests that without it, the entire system would collapse, whereas "basic" simply means it's a starting point.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "fundamental principle"?

It is suitable in academic, scientific, legal, and philosophical discussions where core ideas are being established or analyzed. It is also appropriate in news and media when explaining the underlying basis of complex events or policies.