principle

USAGE SUMMARY

'principle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'principle' to describe a basic truth, belief, or theory, or something that guides the way you live or work. Example sentence: I try to live by the principle of treating others the way I want to be treated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They doubt that there is any limiting principle.

The New York Times

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

The principle is simple in theory — Beijing is responsible for the city's defence and foreign affairs; Hong Kong enjoys limited self-governance and civil liberties, including an independent judiciary and unrestricted press.

The Guardian

The guiding principle to the division process was two-thirds to the Czech Republic, one third to Slovakia, based on the proportion of territory to population.

The Guardian

The highly partisan response to Sayeeda Warsi's damaging resignation from David Cameron's government revives an old political question: when is it right to resign on a point of policy or principle rather than to fight one's corner from inside?

The Guardian

After a second stab at devolution succeeded in 1998-99, the SNP worked to the general principle that it would not meddle in exclusively English affairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

No 10 says the idea was trailed in the manifesto and Ed Miliband in principle had accepted the reform, albeit as part of a wider reform of political funding including a cap on individual donations.

The Guardian

Pringle said that left the UK government fighting to protect a principle that Salmond's team was already ready to concede: "They made their one red line the binary referendum so in that sense they did kind of … they played into our hands in terms of making a presentation like that".

The Guardian

That President Obama is sympathetic is evident from his recent reiteration to the UN general assembly of his commitment to the two-state principle; a reminder of what he said in his speech in Cairo in 2009 during his first term: "....it is undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslim and Christian – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland.

The Guardian

A third principle riding atop these is transparency: the notion that government should be transparent by default and secret by necessity (and there are necessary secrets).

The Guardian - Opinion

The third is a principle whose value I have learned from the net and the power it gives any citizen to speak publicly; to find, organize, or join a public; and ultimately, to choose what is public and what is not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "principle" to denote a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

Common error

Avoid confusing "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition) with "principal" (chief or main). Remember that "principle" is a noun that refers to a guiding rule, while "principal" can be a noun or an adjective.

Linguistic Context

The noun "principle" functions primarily as a fundamental concept, serving as a guiding belief or rule. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage in various contexts. As shown in the examples, it often appears as the basis for reasoning, decision-making, or ethical conduct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "principle" is a frequently used noun that denotes a fundamental belief, guiding rule, or essential concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability in various contexts. While primarily seen in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse settings. Common usage involves establishing foundations for reasoning or conveying ethical convictions. Related phrases like "fundamental belief" and "guiding tenet" offer nuanced alternatives, and it's crucial to differentiate "principle" from the homophone "principal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental belief

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of a principle, emphasizing its role as a foundational idea.

guiding tenet

Highlights the directive quality of a principle, suggesting it provides guidance.

moral standard

Specifically emphasizes the ethical dimension of a principle, relating it to right and wrong.

basic doctrine

Refers to a set of principles, typically within a specific field of knowledge or belief system.

core value

Emphasizes the importance and centrality of a principle to an individual or organization.

underlying assumption

Highlights the foundational role of a principle as a basis for reasoning or decision-making.

governing rule

Stresses the regulatory aspect of a principle, indicating it controls or directs behavior.

primary law

Implies a universally accepted and fundamental principle.

ethical consideration

Focuses on the moral or ethical aspects of a principle, often in decision-making contexts.

foundational concept

Highlights the essential and basic nature of a principle as a building block for further understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "principle" in a sentence?

You can use "principle" to refer to a basic truth, belief, or theory. For example, "The company operates on the principle of honesty and transparency."

What's the difference between "principle" and "standard"?

"Principle" is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour, while "standard" is a level of quality or attainment. A "moral standard", for example, might be informed by ethical principles.

What are some synonyms for "principle"?

Alternatives to "principle" include "tenet", "rule", "precept", and "rationale". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in principle" or "on principle"?

Both phrases are correct but have different meanings. "In principle" means that something is theoretically possible or acceptable, while "on principle" means that something is done because of a moral belief or standard.