guided by principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guided by principles" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that follows a set of moral or ethical guidelines when making decisions or taking action. Example: The company's CEO was always guided by principles of honesty and integrity, making her a respected leader among her employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Buckley's politics were guided by principles; Mr. Rove's principles are guided by politics.

The New York Times

But they remain blunt instruments, guided by principles and conditions that differ from those in civilian society.

The New Yorker

But the court decided to relax its rules and revisit the cases, "guided by principles of fundamental fairness," Justice Benjamin Miller wrote.

The New York Times

Few people realize, they say, that while some anarchists vandalize corporate property, they are guided by principles that seek to protect life.

The New York Times

The OECD/G20 initiative refers to its efforts as providing an "inclusive framework". Such a framework must be guided by principles, not just politics.

The Guardian - Business

These three companies demonstrate the essential attributes of a game-changing organization: They are driven by purpose, oriented toward performance, and guided by principles.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

He said he was guided by principle, not politics.

The New York Times

The president who sits at that desk must be guided by principle.

The New York Times

In all of these reforms, we will be guided by principle, pragmatism and progress — not politics.

The New York Times

"But we're guided by principle too.

Huffington Post

If the two researchers were in disagreement regarding study relevance and quality, the study was processed in the entire group of eight researchers, guided by principle of consensus.

Child and Youth Care Forum

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guided by principles", ensure the principles are clearly defined and relevant to the context. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid claiming actions are "guided by principles" when practical considerations or external pressures are the primary drivers. Overstating the role of principles can undermine your message if it contradicts reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guided by principles" functions as a post-positive modifier, describing a noun (person, organization, action) and specifying the basis for its behavior or decisions. It indicates that the subject's actions are rooted in a specific, often ethical, framework, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guided by principles" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that actions or decisions are based on a specific set of moral, ethical, or professional standards. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity in written English. It's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. When using the phrase, ensure that the principles are well-defined and relevant, to strengthen the statement's credibility. Alternatives like "based on principles" or "informed by principles" can be used for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on principles

Changes the verb from 'guided by' to 'based on', emphasizing a foundation of principles.

informed by principles

Replaces 'guided by' with 'informed by', suggesting principles provide knowledge or understanding.

driven by principles

Substitutes 'guided by' with 'driven by', highlighting the motivating force of principles.

governed by principles

Uses 'governed by' instead of 'guided by', implying that principles dictate or control actions.

underpinned by principles

Employs 'underpinned by' to suggest principles support or form the basis of something.

founded on principles

Uses 'founded on' instead of 'guided by' to emphasize that something was built or created using some principles.

anchored by principles

Suggests principles offer stability and security.

shaped by principles

Indicates principles mold or influence something.

aligned with principles

Suggests the actions are in agreement or conformity with a set of principles.

consistent with principles

Highlights the coherence and agreement with defined rules.

FAQs

How can I use "guided by principles" in a sentence?

You can use "guided by principles" to describe actions, decisions, or strategies that are based on a particular set of moral, ethical, or professional guidelines. For example: "The company's decisions are "guided by principles" of sustainability and social responsibility".

What's a good alternative to "guided by principles"?

Alternatives include "based on principles", "informed by principles", or "driven by principles", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "guided by principle" or "guided by principles"?

"Guided by principle" is used when referring to a single, overarching guideline. "Guided by principles" is more appropriate when referring to multiple guidelines or a comprehensive ethical framework. The choice depends on whether the guidance comes from one main idea, or a broader set of ideas.

What does it mean to be "guided by principles"?

To be "guided by principles" means that your decisions and actions are based on a consistent set of ethical, moral, or professional standards. It implies a commitment to acting in accordance with these standards, even when it's difficult or inconvenient. It suggests integrity and a strong sense of values.