key principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an essential or fundamental idea that serves as a basis for a system of beliefs or behaviors. Example: "The key principle of our approach is to prioritize sustainability in all our projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second key principle is to accept that this is a long game.

The Guardian - Opinion

A key principle of Buddhist life is the cultivation of compassion for all living beings.

The New Yorker

This is the key principle on which the new hall should be based.

The Guardian

Fighting global warming without increasing the deficit is a key principle of this legislation.

The New York Times

Open justice is a key principle of any mature democratic society.

The Guardian

In an interview, Sharp says: "My key principle is not ethical.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's the key principle that drives our company and we look forward to explaining this".

The New York Times

No one spoke, in keeping with a key principle of mindful eating.

The New York Times - Food

That is the key principle: do we allow safe spaces for them to talk to each other?

The Guardian

"NHS South Warwickshire CCG is committed to the NHS's key principle of free at the point of use.

The Guardian

The key principle of relativity is that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key principle", ensure that you clearly define the principle and explain its relevance to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "key principle" for trivial matters. Reserve it for truly fundamental concepts to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key principle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object. It identifies a fundamental concept or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key principle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to highlight fundamental concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, it's essential to define and explain the relevance of the "key principle" when using it in writing. Alternatives such as "fundamental principle" or "core principle" can be used to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational aspect, suggesting it's a basic building block.

core principle

Highlights the central and most important aspect of the idea.

essential principle

Stresses the necessity and indispensability of the principle.

pivotal principle

Indicates the principle is crucial and decisive.

central tenet

Focuses on the belief or doctrine that is most important.

fundamental tenet

Highlights the basic and foundational nature of the belief.

basic premise

Underlines the foundational assumption or proposition.

primary rule

Focuses on the most important regulation or guideline.

main guideline

Emphasizes the principal directive or recommendation.

underlying concept

Highlights the foundational idea that supports a theory or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "key principle" to highlight a fundamental concept or idea, such as: "A "key principle" of democracy is the rule of law."

What's a good alternative to "key principle"?

Alternatives include "fundamental principle", "core principle", or "essential principle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "most key principle"?

Yes, using "most" before "key principle" is generally redundant because "key" already implies the highest importance. It's better to simply use ""key principle"".

What is the difference between "key principle" and "rule of thumb"?

A ""key principle"" is a fundamental concept or belief, while a "rule of thumb" is a practical and approximate guide that is not always reliable.