main principles

USAGE SUMMARY

"main principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the general, overarching points that are the foundation of an argument, concept, system, or other subject. For example: "An understanding of the main principles of economic theory is essential for any aspiring economist."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Read some of these and follow the main principles.

The Guardian

One of the code's main principles was proportionality.

The New York Times

"Protecting people's privacy is one of the main principles of their security on web".

The Guardian

Such a pact should be based on two main principles: "smart aid" and African ownership.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new brand will reflect our main principles: reliability, responsibility and technological efficiency".

The Guardian

"Shakkei" – the Art of Borrowed Scenery – is one of the main principles in Japanese gardening.

The Guardian - Books

"The North Koreans still believe in the main principles of their ideology," Mr. Myers said.

The New York Times

Strengthening the state, including its industrial and defensive might, he considered one of the main principles of his policy.

The New York Times

But that's an important lesson actually: shape, line light/dark value, colour – those are the main principles of art".

The Guardian - Tech

Two main principles govern the Statute.

SERIEs

A tl dr of the statement yields three main principles.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main principles", ensure that you clearly define each principle to avoid ambiguity. Provide examples or explanations to illustrate each point effectively.

Common error

Avoid stating the "main principles" without sufficient detail or context. Ensure each principle is specific and actionable to provide meaningful guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main principles" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies the fundamental concepts or guidelines underlying a particular subject, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main principles" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote the core concepts or guidelines of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is utilized across various contexts, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, it's best to clearly define each principle to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "core tenets" or "fundamental concepts" can be used to add nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for a wide range of professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core tenets

Replaces "principles" with "tenets", implying a set of fundamental beliefs or doctrines.

fundamental concepts

Substitutes "principles" with "concepts", focusing on the foundational ideas.

key guidelines

Replaces "principles" with "guidelines", emphasizing the guiding nature of the concepts.

basic tenets

Similar to "core tenets", but uses "basic" instead of "core", suggesting a simpler foundation.

essential elements

Focuses on the indispensable components that form the basis of something.

primary foundations

Emphasizes the foundational aspect using the word "foundations".

central doctrines

Replaces "principles" with "doctrines", implying a set of established beliefs.

guiding philosophies

Emphasizes the philosophical aspect of the principles.

underlying precepts

Uses "precepts" to highlight the rules or guidelines that underlie a system.

cornerstone principles

Highlights the crucial and indispensable nature of the principles by using "cornerstone".

FAQs

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

You can use "main principles" to introduce the core concepts of a theory, system, or process. For example, "The "main principles" of effective communication include clarity, conciseness, and active listening."

What are some alternatives to saying "main principles"?

Alternatives include "core tenets", "fundamental concepts", or "key guidelines", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "main principles" or "primary principles"?

"Main principles" and "primary principles" are often interchangeable, but "main" may suggest a broader overview, while "primary" emphasizes the most important or foundational aspects.

What is the difference between "main principles" and "basic principles"?

"Basic principles" typically refer to elementary or introductory concepts, whereas "main principles" can encompass a broader set of essential ideas that are central to a topic or system.