it was principled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was principled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or decision that was based on strong moral principles or ethics. Example: "Her decision to speak out against the injustice was principled, reflecting her commitment to fairness and integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Contrary to Menand's assertion, King's nonviolent appeal for the cooperation of his fellow Americans was as pragmatic as it was principled, and it elicited criticism from some quarters that he was a deplorable compromiser — the same criticism often aimed at pragmatists.

The New York Times

It was principled and it was strategic.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Do you feel it is principled, or irresponsible, for politicians to threaten a shutdown?

The New York Times

I think this argument is a mistake, but it is principled.

The New Yorker

The State Department's position on this issue may be unpopular, but at least it is principled.

The New York Times

None of this is pretty, not much of it is principled, but it works.The Bush formula will be picked apart over the next thousand days especially if the White House stumbles on from disaster to disaster.

The Economist

The Republican Party has become so utterly insane that it actually thinks it's principled to oppose federal disaster relief.

Huffington Post

A major advantage of this approach is that it is principled, that is the same approach is taken each time, thus avoiding the issue of technique manipulation for newly encountered information sources.

BMC Systems Biology

As Jack Goldsmith, a former Justice Department official who helped lead the revolt against the surveillance program, put it to Gellman, Addington "was principled to the point of being stupid.

The New York Times

And it wasn't because he was principled, or honest, or a lone truth-teller — he did it as a "businessman" trying to increase sales.

The New Yorker

He was as generous as he was principled.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was principled", ensure the context clearly defines the specific principles guiding the action or decision. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was principled" as a blanket statement. Provide specific details about the underlying principles to avoid ambiguity and showcase a deeper understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was principled" primarily functions as a statement of characterization or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an action or decision as being rooted in strong moral or ethical beliefs. Examples show this in contexts ranging from political stances to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was principled" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an action or decision rooted in strong moral or ethical beliefs. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to characterize or justify, emphasizing a commitment to values over expediency. While frequently found in news and media contexts, its usage maintains a neutral register. When employing this phrase, provide context about the underlying principles to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "it was ethical" or "it was morally sound" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was ethical

Focuses specifically on moral correctness and adherence to ethical standards.

it was morally sound

Highlights the moral integrity and righteousness of the action.

it was based on principle

Emphasizes that the action originated from a set of established beliefs.

it was driven by ethics

Suggests that ethical considerations were the primary motivator.

it was morally driven

Focuses on the influence of moral values.

it was ethically guided

Highlights the role of ethical guidelines in shaping the decision.

it was rooted in morality

Emphasizes that the action has a deep connection to moral foundations.

it was grounded in ethics

Similar to 'rooted in morality' but focuses on ethical grounds.

it was guided by principles

Indicates that principles served as a compass for the action.

it was a matter of principle

Indicates the situation concerned strongly held beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "it was principled" in a sentence?

You can use "it was principled" to describe a decision, action, or stance that is based on strong moral or ethical beliefs. For example, "Her decision to resign /s/to+resign from the company was principled, demonstrating her commitment to ethical business practices."

What are some alternatives to "it was principled"?

Some alternatives include "it was ethical", "it was morally sound", or "it was based on principle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for a decision to be "principled"?

A "principled" decision is one that is made based on a strong adherence to moral or ethical principles, rather than on personal gain, convenience, or other considerations. It suggests a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Is there a difference between saying "it was principled" and "it was practical"?

Yes, "it was principled" emphasizes the moral or ethical basis of a decision, while "it was practical" highlights its feasibility and effectiveness in achieving a specific goal. A decision can be both principled and practical, but these are distinct qualities.