governing idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "governing idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main concept or principle that directs or influences a particular argument, discussion, or piece of writing. Example: "The governing idea of her thesis revolves around the impact of climate change on global agriculture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

One attitude concerns the governing idea of election.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The individual essays reveal the governing idea of each of his plays.

The Guardian - Books

Those elements boiled down to a governing idea that he called "the academic dogma": "Knowledge is important.

The New Yorker

The governing idea of Hutto was that detainees would constantly supervise their children — as a result, it wasn't deemed a child-care facility, and required no relevant licensing.

The New Yorker

The society's president, Louise Mirrer, said the governing idea was "all about opening history up to the public; it's not just dead people".

The New York Times

And these wild places shape not just our culture but our character; they provide, another contributor argues, "a governing idea in the way we perceive ourselves as Americans".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"If you're looking for governance, I don't think they have governing ideas".

The New Yorker

She has no set way of working, constantly refining and changing modes of presentation, materials and her governing ideas.

The New York Times

By the time Smith and Iyer met to record the suite, in November, "there was a certain understanding, a certain set of governing ideas," Iyer said.

The New Yorker

Ideas that had until then been anathema to the nation's governing class — ideas about markets, about profits, about entrepreneurship — suddenly seemed, amidst the detritus of Communism, to be incontestable.

The New York Times

A brief description of the main ideas governing the outer approximation procedure is provided in supplementary material (see Additional file 1).

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "governing idea" when you want to emphasize the primary concept or principle that directs or influences something, ensuring clarity and focus in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "governing idea" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "main idea" or "key concept" to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "governing idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies the primary concept or principle that dictates the direction or nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "governing idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the fundamental concept or principle guiding something. As evidenced by Ludwig, its application spans diverse domains, particularly News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, lending clarity and focus to well-structured discourse. Alternatives like "central principle" or "core concept" may be more fitting for informal settings. Ludwig AI validates the accurate and widespread usage of this phrase across numerous authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central principle

Focuses on the guiding aspect by using a more common synonym for idea.

core concept

Highlights the foundational element in play.

guiding principle

Emphasizes the directional aspect of the idea.

overarching theme

Highlights how the idea permeates throughout the creation.

fundamental concept

Stresses the basic and essential aspect of the idea.

key notion

Replaces "idea" with a synonym emphasizing importance.

central tenet

Highlights the core belief driving actions.

driving force

Shifts the focus to the idea's active role in influencing events.

underlying philosophy

Replaces the idea with the word philosophy making it more of a world view.

master plan

Broadens the scope to encompass a detailed strategic approach.

FAQs

How can I use "governing idea" in a sentence?

You can use "governing idea" to describe the central principle behind a project, theory, or decision. For example: "The "governing idea" of the new policy is to promote sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "governing idea"?

Alternatives include "central principle", "core concept", or "guiding principle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "governing idea" formal or informal?

"Governing idea" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings.

What's the difference between "governing idea" and "main idea"?

"Governing idea" suggests a more fundamental and directional principle, while "main idea" simply refers to the primary point or theme. The "governing idea" influences the overall direction, whereas the "main idea" is the central topic.