matter of principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of principle" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a belief or value that is important to someone and guides their actions or decisions. Example: I refused to cheat on the exam, even though everyone around me was doing it, because honesty is a matter of principle for me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a matter of principle".

Independent

As a matter of principle.

The New York Times

This is a matter of principle.

Independent

It is also a matter of principle.

The Economist

"It was a matter of principle.

The New York Times

"It's a matter of principle," Raymond said.

The New York Times

It vulgarizes what's a matter of principle".

The New York Times

It's a matter of principle for us.

The Guardian

This is an important matter of principle.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not a matter of principle.

The Guardian

And there's a matter of principle here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of principle", clearly articulate the specific principle at stake to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It's a matter of principle", specify "Refusing to compromise on quality is a matter of principle for our company".

Common error

Avoid using "matter of principle" as a generic justification without identifying the underlying value or belief. This can weaken your argument and make it seem insincere. Always connect the phrase to a tangible, defensible principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of principle" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or prepositional complement. It indicates that a decision, action, or belief is fundamentally based on a moral, ethical, or ideological conviction, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of principle" is a widely used phrase to denote that a decision or action is based on deeply held values, ethics, or beliefs. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples shows that it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news, business, and academic contexts. It serves to justify stances by linking them to fundamental principles. While it can appear in informal settings, it is most appropriate in professional and formal communications. Remember to articulate the specific principle to ensure clarity and avoid generic usage. Explore alternative phrases like "point of honor" or "ethical consideration" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point of honor

This alternative focuses on the ethical or moral obligation driving the action.

ethical consideration

This phrase emphasizes the moral dimension influencing the decision.

moral imperative

This alternative suggests a strong, compelling reason rooted in morality.

question of ethics

This alternative highlights the ethical nature of the issue at hand.

issue of integrity

This emphasizes the importance of honesty and moral soundness in the situation.

principled stance

This alternative underscores the firm and unwavering nature of the decision.

moral ground

This highlights the righteousness and ethical basis of the action or decision.

values-based decision

This explicitly connects the decision to core personal or organizational values.

matter of conscience

This alternative focuses on the internal moral compass guiding the action.

fundamental belief

This highlights the deeply ingrained conviction underlying the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of principle" to explain a decision or action that is based on a deeply held belief. For example, "I refused to participate in the project because it was a "matter of principle" for me".

What's a more formal way to say "matter of principle"?

More formal alternatives include "ethical consideration", "moral imperative", or "question of ethics". These phrases emphasize the gravity and importance of the underlying belief.

Is it correct to say "it's a matter of principles"?

While grammatically possible if referring to multiple distinct principles, it's more common and often clearer to use the singular form, "matter of principle", especially when a single core value is the primary driver.

What's the difference between "matter of principle" and "matter of policy"?

"Matter of principle" refers to a decision based on a moral or ethical belief, while "matter of policy" refers to a decision based on established rules or guidelines.