in principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in principles" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered incorrect depending on the context.
It can be used when discussing foundational ideas or beliefs, but it is more often phrased as "in principle." Example: "In principle, I agree with the proposed changes to the policy, but I have some concerns about the implementation."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lots of "in principles" and "under reviews" and "holistic approaches".

The Guardian - Opinion

Jevons needs to bring in principles of number and theory of probability to deal with this matter.

SEP

I believe in principles.

The Guardian

In Principles of Chemical Kinetics.

Nature

Conservatives believed in principles; Republicans sold out.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Where is it, this present?" he wrote, in "Principles".

The New Yorker

"Well we haven't traded in principles for power," he objects.

The Guardian

"Is this policy fair?" Mr. Mankiw asks in "Principles".

The New York Times

And we are confident in principles that unite and lead us onward.

The New York Times

"We are people who believe in principles: integrity, honor, courage, accountability.

The New Yorker

"We recognize that the People's Republic does not trade in principles," Kissinger told Zhou.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in principles", ensure the context clearly indicates you're referring to fundamental guidelines or beliefs, not just a general location. Consider using stronger alternatives like "based on principles" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "in principles" with the more common phrase "in principle", which means generally or theoretically. "In principles" refers specifically to acting or believing according to a defined set of core values or guidelines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in principles" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate a basis, origin, or guiding force. Ludwig shows it's used to connect actions, beliefs, or decisions to a set of fundamental guidelines or core values.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in principles" functions as a prepositional phrase, denoting actions or beliefs rooted in a specific set of fundamental guidelines. Although grammatically acceptable, according to Ludwig AI, its usage is less frequent than the similar phrase "in principle". Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts, its purpose is to emphasize adherence to core values or standards. For enhanced clarity, consider alternatives like "based on principles" or "guided by principles". Despite its common usage, differentiate "in principles" from "in principle" to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in accordance with principles

Highlights adherence to a specific set of principles.

grounded in principles

Indicates a strong and stable foundation built upon principles.

rooted in principles

Implies a deep and fundamental connection to core principles.

based on principles

Highlights the foundation or reasoning behind an action or belief.

consistent with principles

Emphasizes alignment and harmony with established principles.

guided by principles

Emphasizes the role of principles as a guiding force.

premised on principles

Suggests that something is based on certain foundational principles.

following principles

Describes adhering to or acting in accordance with specific principles.

according to principles

Focuses on acting in accordance with a defined set of principles.

operating under principles

Indicates that actions are governed by a defined set of principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "in principles" to describe actions or beliefs that are based on a specific set of fundamental guidelines. For example, "Their decisions are rooted in principles of fairness and equality."

What's the difference between "in principles" and "in principle"?

"In principles" refers to acting or believing according to a set of fundamental guidelines. "In principle" means generally or theoretically. For example, "In principle, I agree with the idea, but the practical application is challenging."

Are there alternatives to saying "in principles"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "based on principles", "guided by principles", or "according to principles" depending on the context.

Is "in principles" grammatically correct?

While "in principles" is not as commonly used as ""in principle"", it is grammatically acceptable when used to describe adherence to a specific set of core values or guidelines.