operative principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"operative principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a fundamental doctrine or rule that is used as a basis of an action or decision. For example, "The company's operative principle is to always prioritize the safety of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Is geography the operative principle?

The New York Times

The operative principle was to simplify.

The New York Times - Travel

Always, duality is the operative principle.

The New York Times - Arts

In this paper, we present the operative principle of this hybrid system, its economic benefits and advantages.

Energy Procedia

Today the operative principle of law is that land belongs to the people who occupy it and is therefore administered by local governments.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Sondheim summed up the operative principle: "In the theater you can sing for three or four minutes even though there's nothing happening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

That has to be one of the operative principles for philosophically how we're going to live with the Afghans.

The New York Times

In this work, a product development methodology that brings together traditional design criteria such as operative principles or mode of use and sustainability requirements is proposed.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Knowledge systematisation is the abstraction and diffusion of operative principles to the effect of expanding to broader remits practices that had been initially conceived for a narrow purpose.

Research Policy

The second part then focuses on treatment, explaining operative principles and providing step-by-step descriptions of a variety of hard and soft tissue reconstructive procedures.

Springer

The publicity condition requires that a society's operative principles of justice be neither esoteric nor ideological screens for deeper power relations: that in "public political life, nothing need be hidden".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "operative principle", ensure that the principle you are referring to is actively guiding decisions or actions within the context you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "operative principle" to describe a mere suggestion or possibility; reserve it for fundamental rules that are consistently applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operative principle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a fundamental rule or doctrine that guides actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operative principle" is a noun phrase that refers to a fundamental rule or doctrine guiding actions or decisions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts such as academic, scientific, and professional writing. It is common in Science, News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, make sure the principle is actively guiding decisions, as it's not a mere suggestion or possibility. Alternative phrases include "guiding principle", "fundamental principle", and "core principle". Overall, understanding the proper use of "operative principle" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding principle

Focuses more on the idea of providing direction or guidance.

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational and essential nature of the principle.

basic principle

Highlights the elementary or foundational aspect.

working principle

Suggests a principle that is actively being used or applied.

key principle

Indicates that the principle is important or essential.

core principle

Emphasizes that the principle is central and indispensable.

governing principle

Focuses on the principle's role in controlling or regulating something.

underlying principle

Highlights the principle that forms the basis or foundation.

central tenet

Replaces "principle" with "tenet", implying a belief or doctrine.

primary rule

Substitutes "principle" with "rule", suggesting a more prescriptive guideline.

FAQs

How can I use "operative principle" in a sentence?

You can use "operative principle" to describe a fundamental rule or doctrine that guides actions or decisions. For example, "The company's operative principle is to always prioritize customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "operative principle"?

Alternatives include "guiding principle", "fundamental principle", or "core principle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "operative principle" formal or informal?

"Operative principle" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and official contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "operative principle" and "general guideline"?

An "operative principle" is a fundamental rule that actively guides decisions, while a "general guideline" is a more flexible recommendation. The "operative principle" is consistently applied, whereas the guideline might be adapted to different circumstances.