natural laws

USAGE SUMMARY

"natural laws" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to laws that are derived from nature rather than imposed by any human institution or authority. For example, "The natural laws governing the development of a life form are complex and fascinating."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, there are deep philosophical disagreements regarding the nature and even the existence of natural laws.

SEP

As creatures of flesh and blood, we are governed by the same natural laws as the rest of nature.

SEP

"These are basic natural laws of life".

The New Yorker

The wildlife, meanwhile, still obeys basic natural laws.

Independent

Personalised medicine inevitably includes the application of natural laws.

The Economist

There are certain natural laws, from which flow natural rights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But real magicians actually depend on natural laws.

The New York Times

There are no natural laws, only human laws.

The Guardian - Books

Until the 20th century musicians obeyed natural laws of physics.

The New York Times - Arts

Such invariant equations often point to fundamental natural laws.

The New York Times - Science

It is simply that, unlike physics, economics yields no natural laws or universal constants.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "natural laws", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to scientific principles, moral/ethical codes, or a combination. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "natural laws" interchangeably with human-created laws. "Natural laws" are inherent principles, while human laws are societal regulations. Mixing the two can lead to logical fallacies in arguments.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "natural laws" is as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to fundamental principles that govern the universe and natural phenomena. Ludwig examples show it used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "natural laws" is a commonly used noun phrase, primarily appearing in science, news, and encyclopedia contexts to refer to fundamental principles governing the universe. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. When employing this phrase, ensure your context clearly distinguishes between scientific, ethical, or combined meanings to maintain precision. Be aware that confusing it with human-made laws can introduce logical inaccuracies. Alternatives like "laws of nature" or "physical laws" can offer nuanced expression depending on your specific intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laws of nature

Emphasizes the inherent order and regulations within the natural world, slightly more general.

physical laws

Specifically refers to the laws governing physics, focusing on measurable phenomena.

immutable laws

Highlights the unchangeable aspect of these laws.

inherent rules

Stresses the intrinsic and inseparable nature of the rules.

scientific principles

Specifically refers to the guiding rules within the field of scientific study.

universal principles

Broader, encompassing moral and ethical guidelines in addition to scientific ones.

basic laws of life

Specifically addresses the principles governing living organisms.

governing principles

Highlights the regulatory aspect, applicable in various contexts beyond just nature.

cosmic laws

Refers to laws governing the universe and its components, adding a sense of grandeur.

fundamental truths

Focuses on the underlying, unchangeable aspects of reality, with a philosophical tone.

FAQs

How are "natural laws" different from human laws?

"Natural laws" are inherent principles governing the universe, while human laws are rules created by societies. "Natural laws" are considered universal and unchanging, while human laws are specific to cultures and can evolve.

In what contexts can I use the phrase "natural laws"?

The phrase "natural laws" is appropriate in scientific, philosophical, and sometimes ethical discussions. It's used to describe fundamental principles that govern phenomena, from physics to morality.

What's a good alternative to "natural laws"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "laws of nature", "physical laws", or "universal principles". Each carries slightly different connotations.

Are "natural laws" considered immutable?

The immutability of "natural laws" is a topic of debate. Some view them as fixed and unchangeable, while others believe they might evolve or be subject to different interpretations under different conditions, as highlighted by examples found on Ludwig.