prevailing principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the dominant or most important rule or belief that guides behavior or decision-making in a particular context. Example: "The prevailing principle in our organization is to prioritize sustainability in all our projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The courts will alway consider freedom of the press as the prevailing principle".

The Guardian

Not only did this account for all the water in the river, in line with the prevailing principle of not "wasting" water; because the numbers were based on several unusually wet years, it allocated more water than is normally available.The biggest water projects of the 20th century were all in California.

The Economist

The prevailing principle therefore is respect for autonomy.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

To meet the challenge of an unusual site, Peruzzi curved the facade to match the road, organizing the design of the structure for its site rather than according to prevailing principles of central focus and vertical linkages between floors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Client-centred care is currently one of the prevailing principles in Dutch healthcare policy.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

'Public' sector banking operates in highly variegated ways, and according to prevailing principles of new public management, healthcare marketization and 'privatisation' in its many varied forms (Waldby 2006; Cooper 2008; Hoeyer 2009).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

BRAIN-HIT was approved by the Institutional Review Board at each site and was conducted in accord with prevailing ethical principles.

BMC Pediatrics

Elderly patients have been found to be less likely than younger ones to undergo PCI, despite that it is contrary to prevailing ethical principles when PCI is withheld from elderly patients solely because of their older age.

Clinical interventions in aging

Such programs have been shown, decisively, to reduce HIV transmission without increasing drug use -- but there is a prevailing objection on principle.

Huffington Post

And lest there be any doubt about the economic principles prevailing in postrevolutionary Russia, a giant Samsung flat-screen-TV ad featuring two Bolshoi dancers is plastered on the Christo-like construction shroud that will wrap the theater throughout its four-year, $730 million renovation.

The New York Times - Magazine

While appropriate and useful in some instances, in others the label is often misused or misplaced, for various thinkers were quite nuanced in articulating their positions on various matters: for example, in advocating assimilation of prevailing economic ideas, principles, and practices while advocating social, cultural, and political independence for Black people.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevailing principle", ensure the context clearly establishes what the principle is and why it is considered dominant.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience knows what "prevailing principle" you are referring to. Always provide context or define the principle to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing principle" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a key concept or rule that is dominant or widespread in a particular context, and Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing principle" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase used to describe a dominant idea or rule. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe key concept that is dominant in a specific context. While not frequently used, it appears in diverse contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and encyclopedic entries. Alternatives like "dominant principle" or "guiding principle" can be considered for nuanced expression. When using the phrase, be sure to establish clearly what the "prevailing principle" is to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant principle

Replaces "prevailing" with "dominant", emphasizing the controlling nature of the principle.

guiding principle

Focuses on the principle's role in directing actions or decisions.

overriding principle

Highlights the principle's supremacy over other considerations.

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the principle's foundational importance.

key principle

Indicates the principle is essential or crucial.

central tenet

Shifts from "principle" to "tenet", implying a core belief or doctrine.

core value

Highlights the principle as a deeply held value.

established norm

Indicates that the principle has become a standard or accepted practice.

accepted standard

Implies that the principle is widely recognized and followed.

reigning ideology

Replaces "principle" with "ideology", suggesting a broader system of thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing principle" to describe a dominant idea or rule that influences decisions or behaviors in a specific context. For example: "The "prevailing principle" in the company is customer satisfaction."

What are some synonyms for "prevailing principle"?

Alternatives to "prevailing principle" include "dominant principle", "guiding principle", or "overriding principle" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "prevailing principle" or "common principle"?

"Prevailing principle" suggests a principle that is currently dominant or widespread, while "common principle" simply indicates a principle that is widely shared or known. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

What is the difference between a "prevailing principle" and a "fundamental principle"?

A "fundamental principle" is a basic or essential concept, whereas a "prevailing principle" is the one that is currently most influential or accepted, even if it is not inherently fundamental.