on what principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on what principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the foundational beliefs or rules that guide a particular action, decision, or theory. Example: "On what principles do you base your argument for this policy change?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The only real argument to have is one about how much modding should be done, and on what principles.

The Guardian - Opinion

On what principles should immigration be based?

University of California, Berkeley

He constructed the thought experiment of the 'Original Position' in which individuals imagine themselves not knowing what role in society they are going to play or what endowments of talent or material wealth they possess, and agree together on what principles of justice they will accept.

SEP

The commission will try to offer those officials and experts more detailed guidance than is yet available on how they ought to make the decision: what sort of questions they should ask, what they need to know, and on what principles they should stand.

University of Chicago

Engage with them on what principles to abide by.

Huffington Post

Experience shows that there is often disagreement on what principles should be used to make fair allocation decisions (i.e., distributive fairness) [ 8, 17].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

On what principle, then, shall we any longer choose justice rather than the worst injustice?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In addition to the names of kings, events occasionally are mentioned, especially for the later years; but it is hard to understand on what principle they are included.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On what principle could you leave such a scene out? "Full Frontal" is the sort of arbitrary mess that gives experimentation a bad name.

The New Yorker

But so said all before us, and with just as much apparent reason… on what principle is it that, when we see nothing but improvement behind us, we are to expect nothing but deterioration before us?

The New York Times

This may sometimes be deemed a necessary measure in the support of armies; on what principle can the people claim the right to be exempt from this burden?

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider specifying whose principles are being referenced. For example, "On what ethical principles does this organization operate?"

Common error

Avoid using "on what principles" in situations where the subject lacks clearly defined guiding principles. This can lead to vague or irrelevant responses. Instead, consider asking about the general approach or strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what principles" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It's used to solicit the foundational beliefs, values, or guidelines that inform a particular decision, action, or system. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

50%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on what principles" is a grammatically correct phrase used to inquire about the foundational beliefs or guidelines behind an action or decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is found across various reputable sources. Its usage spans from neutral to formal contexts, with particular prevalence in News & Media and Academia. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context and specify whose principles you are referencing. Alternative phrases like "based on what rationale" or "according to which tenets" can provide nuanced ways to express similar inquiries. By using "on what principles" thoughtfully, you can effectively seek clarification on the core values driving a particular subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Based on what rationale

This alternative focuses on the reasoning or justification behind a decision or action.

According to which tenets

This option emphasizes the core beliefs or doctrines that guide a particular stance.

By what standards

This highlights the criteria or benchmarks used for evaluation or judgment.

On what grounds

This alternative asks about the basis or justification for a claim or action.

Under what guidelines

This option focuses on the specific rules or recommendations being followed.

Using what justification

This phrase specifically targets the explanation or defense offered for an action.

Following what doctrines

This emphasizes the set of beliefs or principles that are being adhered to.

Guided by what values

This alternative highlights the ethical or moral principles that influence a decision.

What is the underlying philosophy

This asks about the general principles or beliefs behind something.

What is the basis for

This alternative directly inquires about the foundation or reason for something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on what principles" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "based on what rationale", "according to which tenets", or "by what standards". These alternatives offer a more elevated and precise way to inquire about the underlying basis of something.

Is "on what principles" interchangeable with "on what grounds"?

While similar, "on what principles" typically refers to fundamental beliefs or rules, whereas "on what grounds" asks about the specific justification or reason for a claim or action. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the best way to use "on what principles" in a sentence?

A good approach is to follow "on what principles" with a specific action, decision, or theory you're questioning. For example, "On what principles should immigration be based?" or "On what principles was this policy change decided?".

What are some words that have a similar meaning to "principles" in the context of "on what principles"?

Synonyms for "principles" in this context include "tenets", "values", "standards", and "doctrines". You can adjust your word choice based on the particular subject matter you're discussing.