fundamental tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental tenet" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a core belief or principle that is essential to a certain philosophy, ideology, or system. Example: "Freedom of speech is a fundamental tenet of democracy, allowing individuals to express their opinions without fear of censorship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a fundamental tenet of counterinsurgency strategy".

The New York Times

A fundamental tenet of trapezing is "Wait for the hep".

The New Yorker

It is a fundamental tenet of mass publishing.

The New York Times

The most fundamental tenet of economics is about scarce resources.

The New York Times

The price of ecumenical politics was apparently the renunciation of a fundamental tenet of faith.

The New Yorker

"We can't forget the fundamental tenet of media ownership in the United States.

The New York Times

An exit would "break a fundamental tenet" of the euro, the company said.

The New York Times

Elitist discrimination in taste is a fundamental tenet of the ideology producing indie's music and culture.

The Guardian - Music

"For many Zionists, the notion of resettlement is a fundamental tenet of the ideology," he said.

The New York Times

Time and again, this administration has violated the fundamental tenet of Roosevelt's approach.

The New York Times

"Anti-retrospectivity used to be a fundamental tenet of the Liberal party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamental tenet" when you want to emphasize that a principle is not just important, but absolutely foundational to a belief system, strategy, or field of study. Make sure the context clearly supports the weight of this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental tenet" to describe minor or easily changeable aspects. Reserve this phrase for principles that are deeply rooted and intrinsic to the subject being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental tenet" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a core belief or principle. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes an essential component of a system, ideology, or philosophy. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts, such as economics, faith, and law.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental tenet" is a robust and frequently used expression to denote a core principle or belief that underpins a system, ideology, or field of study. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for various formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports its strong emphasis on foundational importance, avoiding overuse in less critical situations. Alternatives such as "core principle" or "basic principle" may be more appropriate for less weighty contexts. Remember that, while widely accepted, "fundamental tenet" carries a significant connotation, so use it judiciously to convey the essential and intrinsic nature of the principle being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core principle

Focuses more on the foundational aspect of a belief or guideline.

basic principle

Emphasizes the simplicity and essential nature of the underlying rule.

essential element

Highlights the necessity and indispensability of the component.

cornerstone of

Implies a supporting and crucial role within a larger structure or system.

foundational belief

Stresses the role of a belief as the basis for a system of thought.

central doctrine

Refers specifically to a key teaching or belief within a formal system, such as religion or philosophy.

key principle

Highlights the importance and significance of the rule.

underlying assumption

Focuses on a belief that is often implicit but forms the basis for reasoning or action.

governing principle

Emphasizes the role of a principle in directing or controlling actions and decisions.

primary axiom

Highlights the self-evident and foundational nature of a principle within a logical system.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "fundamental tenet" in a sentence?

The phrase "fundamental tenet" is best used to describe a core principle or belief that is essential to a particular philosophy, ideology, or system. For example, "The right to free speech is a "fundamental tenet" of democracy".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "fundamental tenet"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "core principle", "basic principle", or "essential element".

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

While both phrases refer to important concepts, "fundamental tenet" often implies a more deeply ingrained and foundational belief within a larger system, whereas "basic principle" may refer to a more general or straightforward rule.

When is it appropriate to use "fundamental tenet" over other similar phrases?

Use "fundamental tenet" when you want to emphasize the foundational and indispensable nature of a belief or principle. It's particularly suitable when discussing ideologies, philosophies, or complex systems where certain principles are absolutely central.