governing principles

USAGE SUMMARY

"governing principles" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to refer to a set of established standards that are used to guide decision making and action. For example: The company's governing principles prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her governing principles are clear: Treachery!

The New Yorker

"There were no governing principles," Obama said.

The New Yorker

Paradox and scepticism are the governing principles.

The Guardian

It treats abstractions as the governing principles of social life.

The New Yorker

And when we do act, it is often difficult to discern the governing principles of action.

Independent

The governing principles of American democracy and Chinese Communism guarantee a degree of friction.

The New York Times

Yet it would be wrong to suppose that Peres lacked governing principles.

The New Yorker

Amazon, "Transparent" 's producer and distributor, has a series of governing principles; Soloway's favorite is "bias for action".

The New Yorker

If the night lacked a certain magic, what will last into the 2012 election and beyond are the governing principles laid out by the two parties.

The New York Times

The centrepiece of the legislation gives ministers a veto over any move to change the articles of association of the bank, including the five governing principles that require it to fulfil a green remit.

The Guardian

"I come here to give little bit of hope to the people," Ms. Leong said during a recent visit to Villawood, where posters display the governing principles of Serco, beginning with "We foster an entrepreneurial culture".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational ethics or legal frameworks, clearly define your "governing principles" to ensure transparency and accountability.

Common error

Don't mistake aspirational goals for actual "governing principles". Principles should be consistently applied, not just hoped for. Ensure mechanisms are in place to enforce them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "governing principles" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the fundamental rules, beliefs, or standards that guide decision-making and action. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "governing principles" is a versatile and widely used term that denotes the fundamental rules or beliefs that guide actions and decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. Its frequent appearance in news, science, and formal business settings underscores its importance in defining ethical standards, strategies, and legal frameworks. When using this phrase, ensure that your "governing principles" are clearly defined and consistently applied. Remember that alternatives like "guiding principles" or "core values" can offer nuanced shades of meaning, depending on the specific context you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding principles

Replaces "governing" with "guiding", emphasizing influence rather than direct control.

core values

Focuses on the fundamental beliefs that shape behavior and decisions.

fundamental tenets

Substitutes "principles" with "tenets", suggesting a more dogmatic or foundational set of beliefs.

basic precepts

Replaces "principles" with "precepts", implying rules or guidelines for conduct.

underlying philosophy

Shifts the focus to the theoretical foundation guiding actions.

established norms

Emphasizes accepted standards of behavior within a group or society.

key doctrines

Highlights a set of beliefs or teachings, often within a specific field or ideology.

ruling ideas

Emphasizes the dominant thoughts that influence actions.

operational guidelines

Focuses on practical instructions for how something should be done.

strategic imperatives

Highlights crucial actions or objectives needed to achieve a specific goal.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "governing principles" in a sentence?

Use "governing principles" to describe the fundamental rules or beliefs that guide decisions and actions within an organization, system, or process. For example, "Transparency and accountability are the "governing principles" of our project."

What are some alternatives to using "governing principles" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "guiding principles", "core values", or "fundamental tenets" as alternatives to "governing principles".

How do "governing principles" differ from "rules and regulations"?

"Governing principles" are broader, more abstract concepts that guide decision-making, while rules and regulations are specific, concrete directives that must be followed. For example, equality is a "governing principle", while specific anti-discrimination laws are rules and regulations.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "governing principles"?

The term "governing principles" is suitable for discussing ethics, governance, legal frameworks, and organizational strategies where fundamental rules shape decision-making. It's less appropriate in casual contexts or when referring to simple preferences.