get down to bedrock principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get down to bedrock principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing fundamental truths or core beliefs that form the basis of a larger argument or system. Example: "In order to resolve the ongoing debate, we need to get down to bedrock principles and understand what truly matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This means "Breaking Bad" implicitly challenges audiences to get down to bedrock and actually justify those norms.

The New York Times

And this is where we start to really get down to ideological bedrock, because conservatives and libertarians (and a few liberals) then look at the European/Canadian model and say, Surely there's a better way than that.

The New York Times

Working to simplify, to try to get down to that first principle, is really important.

The New York Times

But before we get down to particulars, let us consid er the principles involved.

The New York Times

Get down to business.

WikiHow

Get down to it.

WikiHow

The present concern over the state of the basement arises from the way Port Authority engineers got down to that bedrock for the foundations of the two 110-story towers, the Marriott Hotel and 6 World Trade Center.

The New York Times - Science

Their essays are a pleasure, in that they show us serious thinkers returning to bedrock principles.

The New York Times - Books

David Cameron's plans to regulate the British press by royal charter run "counter to bedrock principles of a democracy," a US-based press freedom group has warned.

The Guardian

Lichtenstein was dry right down to bedrock.

The New Yorker

Lichtenstein was dry right down to bedrock..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "get down to bedrock principles", ensure you're truly addressing the most fundamental aspects of the subject. Avoid getting bogged down in details before establishing the core ideas.

Common error

A common mistake is to delve into specific details without first establishing the "bedrock principles". Make sure to clearly define these core concepts before moving on to more nuanced discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get down to bedrock principles" functions as an idiomatic expression, used to signify the act of identifying and focusing on the most fundamental or essential aspects of a subject or situation. The expression implies a process of stripping away complexities to reveal the core truths or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get down to bedrock principles" is a versatile idiom used to emphasize a return to the most fundamental aspects of a topic. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. While often appearing in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various discussions. When using the phrase, ensure the focus remains on core concepts, avoiding premature dives into specific details. Alternatives such as "focus on fundamental truths" or "get to the heart of the matter" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get to the heart of the matter

A more idiomatic alternative, emphasizing the central issue or point.

focus on fundamental truths

Shifts focus from 'bedrock principles' to 'fundamental truths', emphasizing the veracity of the core ideas.

delve into the essentials

Replaces 'bedrock principles' with 'essentials', simplifying the language and emphasizing the core components.

identify core beliefs

Replaces 'bedrock principles' with 'core beliefs', highlighting the foundational beliefs that underpin something.

analyze foundational concepts

Uses more academic language, replacing 'bedrock principles' with 'foundational concepts'.

examine basic tenets

Uses 'tenets' instead of 'principles', suggesting a more formal or structured set of fundamental ideas.

explore primary assumptions

Highlights the role of underlying assumptions, rather than general principles.

determine root causes

Focuses on the causal origins rather than principles, implying a search for underlying reasons.

ascertain underlying factors

Emphasizes identifying the causal factors that contribute to a situation.

establish the groundwork

Focuses on setting a solid foundation rather than identifying principles.

FAQs

How can I use "get down to bedrock principles" in a sentence?

You can use "get down to bedrock principles" when you want to address the most fundamental aspects of a topic. For example: "In order to solve this problem, we need to "get down to bedrock principles" and understand the core issue."

What is a good alternative to "get down to bedrock principles"?

Alternatives include "focus on fundamental truths", "identify core beliefs", or "get to the heart of the matter". Each option emphasizes the importance of concentrating on the essential elements.

Is it better to say "core principles" or "bedrock principles"?

"Bedrock principles" suggests the most fundamental and unshakeable principles, while "core principles" simply refers to essential principles. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the foundational nature of the principles in question.

What does it mean to focus on "first principles"?

Focusing on "first principles" is similar to focusing on "bedrock principles"; both involve identifying the most basic assumptions and truths from which everything else is derived. It's a method of reasoning that involves breaking down a problem to its most fundamental parts.