principal idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important concept in a discussion, argument, or piece of writing. Example: "The principal idea of the essay is to highlight the importance of environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

They encapsulate the principal idea behind Utopia & Utility, to combine art and design, function and fantasy.

Independent

In this case, he said, the principal idea was the "transferable nature of hatred".

The New York Times

Previously he had written a play in blank verse, Blanka von Castilien Blanchee of Castile), that already embodied the principal idea of several later works the contrast between a quiet, idyllic existence and a life of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thought to be the invention of Italian Bartolomeo Cristofori di Francesco (1655 1731), it has been improved and transformed in sound and quality considerably since early models, but the principal idea has remained the same.

The Guardian - Music

A recent article on the blog Africa is a Country demonstrated that "the covers of most novels 'about Africa' seem to have been designed by someone whose principal idea of the continent comes from The Lion King" - reducing it, no matter the subject, geographical area or writer, to an acacia tree and a sunset.

The Guardian - Books

The principal idea will be demonstrated by investigating the nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws.

Journal of Computational Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Three principal ideas contributed the most to this critical mass.

The Guardian - Books

The evangelical scientism of "The Atheist's Guide" rests on three principal ideas.

The New York Times - Books

One of his principal ideas is the difficulty of forecasting given the role of chance and extreme events.

The Economist

Palladio's principal ideas on palace design were formed between his first works of 1540 and his visit to Rome in 1554 56.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The present opinion of his greatness stems from the power of his principal ideas and the lucid, provocative writing with which he expressed them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex topic, clearly state the "principal idea" early on to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "principal idea" when you mean a general topic. Reserve "principal idea" for the central, guiding concept or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal idea" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or direct object. Ludwig shows its usage across numerous fields, emphasizing its role in identifying core concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Independent

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal idea" is a common and grammatically sound way to denote the core concept or guiding thought in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, using "principal idea" helps to clearly communicate the central concept to your audience. While "main concept", "central theme", and "key notion" serve as viable alternatives, be mindful of the specific nuance you aim to convey. To enhance clarity, explicitly state the "principal idea" early in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main concept

This alternative focuses on the core notion without specifying its role.

central theme

This emphasizes the overarching subject or message, particularly in artistic or literary works.

key notion

This stresses the importance and fundamentality of the concept.

core principle

This highlights the foundational rule or belief upon which something is based.

primary focus

This stresses the element that receives the most attention or effort.

fundamental concept

This highlights the foundational and essential nature of the idea.

basic tenet

This term refers to a doctrine or principle held as true, often within a belief system or philosophy.

essential element

This highlights that the idea forms a necessary component or part of a larger whole.

underlying assumption

This relates to an idea accepted as true without proof and used as a basis for further reasoning.

driving force

This refers to the primary influence or motive behind an action or decision.

FAQs

What's the difference between "principal idea" and main idea?

While both refer to a core concept, "principal idea" often implies a guiding or foundational concept, whereas main idea is more general. In some contexts, "main concept" can be a suitable substitute.

How can I use "principal idea" in a sentence?

You can use "principal idea" to introduce the core concept of a theory, study, or project. For example, "The principal idea of this study is to examine..."

What are some alternatives to "principal idea"?

Consider using alternatives like "central theme", "key notion", or "core principle" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "principal idea" in formal writing?

Yes, "principal idea" is appropriate for formal writing. It's commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to clearly state the central concept or purpose.