out of principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of principle" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone chooses to do (or not do) something due to moral or ethical standards. For example: "I won't accept favors from her, out of principle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Most join out of principle," Hopp said.

Huffington Post

When the official insisted on the $40, she didn't back down "out of principle".

Vice

Out of principle?

The New Yorker

Are they acting out of principle?

The New York Times - Books

Not out of principle perhaps, but out of pragmatism.

The New York Times

Out of principle, Sunil rose to yank it back.

The New Yorker

'No, I don't, and it's not out of principle.

The Guardian - Books

UPDATE: He declined the job out of principle.

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't just get irate out of principle.

The Guardian

"We seek power out of principle," he told his audience.

Independent

"My appeal to them is to ignore the Liberal Democrats and vote yes out of principle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "out of principle". In some cases, more straightforward language like "because it's the right thing to do" might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "out of principle" when the motivation is merely personal preference or convenience. This diminishes the weight of the phrase and can make your reasoning seem disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of principle" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to explain the reason or motivation behind an action. It indicates that the action is taken based on a moral or ethical belief, rather than personal gain or convenience. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out of principle" is a prepositional phrase used to explain that an action or decision is based on moral or ethical beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. When writing, make sure that the principle is clear to the audience to avoid ambiguity. While "out of principle" is a correct and acceptable phrase, alternatives such as ""on principle"" or "as a matter of principle" may be used depending on the context. By using it correctly, you ensure clear and effective communication of your motivations and values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on principle

This alternative is a more concise and common variation of the original phrase.

as a matter of principle

This alternative emphasizes the importance and formality of the principle guiding the action.

due to conviction

This alternative highlights the strong belief driving the decision, focusing on internal conviction rather than external principle.

for ethical reasons

This alternative provides a straightforward and direct explanation for the action.

based on moral grounds

This alternative specifically identifies the motivation as stemming from moral considerations.

guided by ethics

This alternative shifts the focus to ethical considerations as the primary motivator.

in accordance with one's beliefs

This alternative broadens the scope to include any strongly held belief, not just formal principles.

from a standpoint of integrity

This alternative emphasizes the role of integrity in the decision-making process.

motivated by ideals

This alternative highlights the influence of ideals, which are aspirational principles.

as a point of honor

This alternative emphasizes the sense of personal honor and duty behind the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "out of principle" to explain that someone is acting based on a moral or ethical belief. For example, "She refused to participate in the project "out of principle" because she disagreed with its goals."

What's a simple way to explain "out of principle"?

"Out of principle" means doing something (or not doing something) because you believe it is the morally correct thing to do. It is similar to saying you are acting "on principle".

What are some alternatives to "out of principle"?

Alternatives to "out of principle" include "as a matter of principle", "due to conviction", or "based on moral grounds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "on principle" or "out of principle"?

Both ""on principle"" and "out of principle" are grammatically correct and widely understood. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, as they convey essentially the same meaning.