principle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principle of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a fundamental truth, law, or assumption that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. Example: "The principle of equality is essential in a democratic society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Fundamental principle of equal sovereignty"?

The New York Times

A basic principle of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

violates every principle of fung-sui.

The New Yorker

That is the basic principle of democracy.

The New Yorker

An important principle of givebacks was established.

The New Yorker

It is the principle of the thing.

The New Yorker

Principle of the cocktail-hour dip.

The New Yorker

The principle of independence is generally accepted.

The Economist

Feminism rested on the principle of equality.

The New Yorker

His solution was the principle of examination.

The New Yorker

"It was the principle of the thing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethics or morals, use "principle of" to denote a basic standard of behavior. For example: "The principle of honesty is crucial for building trust."

Common error

Avoid using "principle of" when referring to specific, detailed guidelines or procedures. Instead, reserve it for overarching, foundational concepts. Use other phrases like 'rule', 'guideline', or 'procedure' for specific instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principle of" typically functions as a prepositional phrase. It is used to introduce and modify a noun or noun phrase, specifying the underlying rule, belief, or concept related to that noun. Ludwig AI examples confirm its common usage in academic, news, and general writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principle of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce fundamental concepts and guiding rules. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears across diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its primary function is to establish a foundation for understanding a system or idea, serving a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, use "principle of" when introducing core concepts and avoid using it for specific guidelines. Alternatives like "basis of" and "rationale behind" can be considered based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis of

Focuses on the foundational aspect, emphasizing what something is built upon.

underlying concept of

Highlights the conceptual foundation beneath a system or idea.

rationale behind

Emphasizes the reasoning and justification supporting a particular action or belief.

fundamental tenet of

Stresses the core beliefs or doctrines that underpin a system or ideology.

governing rule of

Highlights the regulatory and directive nature of a principle.

core idea of

Simplifies the concept to its central and most important notion.

key aspect of

Draws attention to a significant element or feature of a concept.

reason for

Focuses on the causative element, explaining why something is the way it is.

law of

Implies a universally accepted rule or phenomenon that always holds true.

theory behind

Highlights the theoretical framework that explains a phenomenon.

FAQs

How do I use "principle of" in a sentence?

Use "principle of" to introduce a fundamental rule, belief, or concept. For example, "The principle of supply and demand governs market prices."

What phrases are similar to "principle of"?

You can use alternatives like "basis of", "underlying concept of", or "rationale behind" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the principle of the matter" or "the principle in the matter"?

"The principle of the matter" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. It refers to the underlying principle at stake in a situation.

What is the difference between "principle of" and "matter of"?

"Principle of" refers to a fundamental belief or rule, while "matter of" typically refers to a question or issue. For example, "It's a principle of ethics" versus "It's a "matter of opinion"".