in principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"in principle" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is a phrase that means "in theory, as an abstract concept," and is usually used to describe an idea or opinion. For example, "In principle, I support the idea of equal pay, but in practice, it is difficult to execute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In principle.

The Economist

Yes, in principle.

The Economist

Fusion is attractive in principle.

The Economist

In principle, this makes sense.

The Economist

In principle, that is laudable.

The Economist

Some oppose it in principle.

The Economist

In principle, under an H.M.O.

The New York Times

I agreed, in principle.

The New York Times

— but in principle.

The New Yorker

Taylor agreed in principle.

The Guardian

In principle, yes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in principle" to introduce an idea or agreement that may not be fully implemented or practical in every situation. It acknowledges the theoretical validity while leaving room for real-world complications.

Common error

Avoid using "in principle" when you mean a firm, unconditional agreement. "In principle" suggests a tentative acceptance, not a final commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in principle" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is true or agreed upon in theory, even if it may not be in practice. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples of its use to qualify statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in principle" is an adverbial phrase that signals theoretical agreement or conceptual validity, often with the understanding that practical implementation may differ. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. While it frequently appears in news and academic writing, it's essential to avoid confusing it with a firm, unconditional agreement. Consider using alternative phrases like "theoretically speaking" or "in theory" to add nuance to your writing. Understanding this term and how to use it, and what to use instead is essential in advanced english.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in theory

Direct synonym, highlighting that something might not be true in practice.

theoretically speaking

Emphasizes the abstract, theoretical nature of a statement, similar to "in principle".

conceptually

Focuses on the idea or concept behind something, similar to "in principle".

as a general rule

Suggests something is generally true, though exceptions may exist, differing slightly from the purely theoretical nature of "in principle".

in essence

Highlights the fundamental nature of something, close in meaning but broader than the conditional aspect of "in principle".

on paper

Highlights that something looks good when planned, but there is no guarantee of success.

at a basic level

Indicates consideration of fundamental aspects, without practical details.

by definition

Draws a conclusion based on the meaning of words, sharing the logical aspect of "in principle".

as a matter of fact

Emphasizes a statement's truth, which may not be obvious, shifting away from the conditional nature of "in principle".

virtually

Highlights a potential, or almost realised condition, which may not come to be.

FAQs

How can I use "in principle" in a sentence?

Use "in principle" to indicate agreement with an idea or concept, even if practical details are not yet resolved. For example, "I agree, "in principle", but the budget needs further review".

What does "in principle" mean?

It means "in theory" or "as a general idea", suggesting a basic agreement without considering specific details or practicalities. Think of it as agreeing with the concept but not necessarily the execution.

What can I say instead of "in principle"?

You can use alternatives like "theoretically speaking", "in theory", or "conceptually" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "in principle" and "in practice"?

"In principle" refers to a theoretical agreement, while "in practice" refers to how something actually works in real-world situations. Often, things that seem good "in principle" face challenges "in practice".