observing the principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "observing the principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of adhering to or following certain guidelines or rules. Example: "In our organization, we are committed to observing the principles of integrity and transparency in all our dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Observing the principles of biodynamics, they are among a growing number of farmers turning to what is sometimes seen as alternative methods.

The Guardian - Travel

To prevent obesity, provide a good example to your children by observing the principles of healthy nutrition.

FAO

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In The Laws of Simplicity (MIT Press, £12.95, pp176), John Maeda uses elegant, humble prose to provide an accessible guide, business and life, observing the principle: 'Simplicity equals sanity'.

The Guardian - Books

It is therefore desirable to explore the possibility of reducing surgical margins while observing the principle of ensuring radical treatment of tumor.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

In 1990, the Association of American Law Schools approved the rule that offended Scalia — requiring prospective recruiters on their campuses to "observe the principles of equal opportunity".

The New Yorker

He mastered photography sufficiently to teach it as an art at the school, where he insisted that students observe the principles of old master composition.

The New York Times - Arts

During the period between congresses, the central committee of the party, acting as the most authoritative leading collective, meticulously observed the principles of the party and carried out its policy.

The Guardian

And it's also no longer acceptable to observe the principles of pluralism and put them aside in the field of international relations.

The New York Times

We are willing to observe the principles of peaceful, nonviolent and legitimate struggle for a very simple reason: Using uncivilized means cannot achieve civilized ends.

The New York Times

This 2002 programme attempts the double: documenting a scientific journey to the Amazon in 2001 to observe the principles in action, while also dramatising Darwin's struggles with the scientific community – featuring such quality English character actors as Mark Tandy (as Darwin's brother Erasmus).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She also condemned rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, accusing Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups of failing to observe "the principles of distinction and precaution".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "observing the principles", ensure the context clearly defines which principles are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "observing the principles of sustainable development".

Common error

Avoid using "observing the principles" without a clear indication of what those principles are. Vague statements can weaken your argument and confuse the reader. Always provide context or a specific reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "observing the principles" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or part of the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it modifying a noun or acting as an object of a preposition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "observing the principles" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase signifying adherence to established guidelines or beliefs. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's relatively rare in occurrence, tending to appear in neutral to formal contexts like news media, science, and formal business communications. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify which principles are being observed. Alternative phrases like "adhering to the principles" or "following the guidelines" can be used depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering to the tenets

Changes from 'principles' to 'tenets', emphasizing a more structured or codified set of beliefs.

complying with the guidelines

Replaces 'principles' with 'guidelines' and 'observing' with 'complying', making it more about rules than beliefs.

abiding by the rules

Uses 'rules' instead of 'principles', and 'abiding by' instead of 'observing', suggesting a stricter adherence to regulations.

following the precepts

Substitutes 'principles' with 'precepts', implying a moral or ethical code.

respecting the fundamentals

Changes 'observing' to 'respecting' and 'principles' to 'fundamentals', indicating a deference to basic elements.

upholding the standards

Shifts the focus to maintaining established criteria or expectations.

maintaining the integrity of the doctrine

Focuses on preserving the soundness and consistency of a body of beliefs or teachings.

heeding the laws

Emphasizes attention and obedience to legal rules or statutes.

keeping faith with the values

Highlights loyalty and dedication to core beliefs or ideals.

acting in accordance with the norms

Stresses behavior that aligns with accepted standards or conventions.

FAQs

How can I use "observing the principles" in a sentence?

You can use "observing the principles" to indicate adherence to a specific set of guidelines or beliefs. For example, "The company is committed to observing the principles of ethical business conduct."

What are some alternatives to "observing the principles"?

Alternatives include "adhering to the principles", "following the guidelines", or "complying with the rules", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "observing the principles" or "following the principles"?

Both "observing the principles" and "following the principles" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "observing" implies a more thoughtful consideration, while "following" suggests a more direct compliance.

What's the difference between "observing the principles" and "upholding the principles"?

"Observing the principles" means adhering to or following them, while "upholding the principles" implies actively defending or maintaining them.