principle of continuity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principle of continuity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing theories, laws, or concepts that emphasize the importance of continuity in various fields such as mathematics, physics, or philosophy. Example: "In calculus, the principle of continuity is essential for understanding the behavior of functions at limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Everything is also continuously moving (the principle of continuity); all is coming and becoming (Barsanti 1992).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Presumably the machines Mn will act successively on him, collectively performing a supertask that will bring the warrior in t = 2 to rest at x = 0 (as, under the principle of continuity, Achilles' path must be continuous).

SEP

Since in SIA all functions are continuous, it embodies in a striking way Leibniz's principle of continuity Natura non facit saltus.

SEP

The principle of continuity asserts that the universe is composed of an infinite series of forms, each of which shares with its neighbour at least one attribute.

Britannica

The royal decree said the appointments were made in line with the kingdom's founding principle of "continuity on the basis of service to faith, the nation and the people, and what is good for its loyal people".

The Guardian

Poncelet and his defender Michel Chasles (1793 1880) extended the principle of continuity into the domain of the imagination by considering constructs such as the common chord in two circles that do not intersect.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Wall then turned his attention to postgame handshakes with the Raptors who, for so many years, were built on similar principles of continuity that the Wizards have adopted.

The Washington Post

Consequently, we can see that the case Black's infinity machine is one in which the principles of continuity and permanence turn out to be mutually inconsistent.

SEP

Recognize the principles of continuity, momentum, and energy as applied to fluid motions and apply these concepts (with appropriate assumptions) to solve and analyze practical fluid mechanics problems.

Johns Hopkins University

Hemodynamic principles of continuity of pressure, the relationship between P and U, in early systole and conservations of MAP, DBP, and diastolic decay along the arterial tree are then used to determine P as detailed below.

American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

- the principle of lateral continuity (sedimentary layers generally continue for a long distance as most were laid down in the ocean, and an abrupt edge indicates that something happened to break it off, like a fault or surface erosion).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts in mathematics or physics, use "principle of continuity" to denote the idea that gradual changes produce gradual effects, avoiding sudden jumps or discontinuities.

Common error

Avoid applying the "principle of continuity" too broadly. It's most relevant in contexts where gradual change is expected, and may not apply to situations involving abrupt shifts or quantum phenomena.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principle of continuity" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental concept or rule. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usable in contexts discussing theories, laws, or concepts emphasizing uninterrupted progression, particularly in fields such as mathematics, physics, or philosophy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principle of continuity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s primarily used within academic, scientific, and philosophical contexts to denote the concept of gradual change without abrupt shifts. Its presence is particularly strong in scientific and encyclopedic sources. The phrase is considered formal and technical, and when writing, be mindful of its application primarily in contexts where continuous or gradual changes are expected. Alternative phrases such as "law of continuity" or "continuity principle" offer slight variations in emphasis while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

law of continuity

Replaces "principle" with "law", emphasizing a more formal or established rule.

continuity principle

Swaps the order of the words, creating a slightly different emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

the continuous principle

Uses "continuous" as an adjective, highlighting the ongoing nature of the principle.

doctrine of continuity

Replaces "principle" with "doctrine", suggesting a more formal or established belief.

concept of continuity

Focuses on the idea or notion of continuity, rather than the principle itself.

tenet of continuity

Replaces principle with tenet, suggesting a foundational belief or idea.

the unbroken rule

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the rule or guideline.

the continuous thread

Uses a metaphor to describe continuity as something that connects different elements.

the uninterrupted course

Highlights the smooth and continuous flow or progression.

the seamless progression

Emphasizes the lack of breaks or interruptions in the progression.

FAQs

How does the "principle of continuity" apply in mathematics?

In mathematics, the "principle of continuity" suggests that functions should behave predictably, with small changes in input resulting in small changes in output. This is fundamental to calculus and analysis.

What's the difference between the "principle of continuity" and the "principle of discontinuity"?

The "principle of continuity" posits that things change gradually, while the "principle of discontinuity" suggests that changes can be abrupt and unpredictable. They represent opposing viewpoints on how systems evolve.

Can I use the phrase "continuity principle" instead of the "principle of continuity"?

Yes, "continuity principle" is a common and perfectly acceptable alternative to the "principle of continuity". Both phrases carry the same meaning.

What fields of study commonly use the "principle of continuity"?

The "principle of continuity" is prevalent in mathematics, physics, philosophy, and even some areas of management and political science, where maintaining consistent policies or processes is valued.