principled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who adheres to moral or ethical principles in their actions or decisions. Example: "She is a principled leader who always prioritizes integrity and fairness in her decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Tim Pigott-Smith's superb performance, he became a man who seemed uneasy in his own skin, apprehensive about the burden of monarchy and yet deeply and steadfastly principled.

The Guardian

Later, according to the classified documents, the Iron Lady – resolute, principled, unflinching – accepted that the government would have to allow "a murderer to go free".

The Guardian - Opinion

Miliband hit back at Sturgeon by saying that she had not given up on her principled commitment to the breakup of the UK, adding there was a danger that she was denying the need to answer difficult questions.

The Guardian

The hope of a ceasefire – by far the most reliable and principled mechanism to protect Syrian lives – will recede again.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems a shame neither politician seems to have spoken to that wily, principled Conservative former home secretary Douglas Hurd before they proposed something as unworkable, ineffective and dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's the qualities that I've seen through our friendship that have made me respect her the most: she's principled, compassionate, tough and stubborn as hell.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was principled, he was brave, but he had a way of connecting with people.

The Guardian

(He is charming, but rather an imposing, and deeply principled, man).

The Guardian

On public policy and ideology, Slattery may be principled to a fault.

The Guardian - Books

Today's hearing heard Judge Teale repeat comments made at the sentencing of the 16 other activists, which accepted that they were "highly motivated, highly principled and conscientious people".

The Guardian

I will remember him as a compassionate public servant who was thoroughly principled and who cared for the least and the lost in a way that was deeply moving.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about organizations or institutions, "principled" can effectively convey a commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "principled" in contexts where practical considerations or strategic advantages are more relevant than moral convictions. Overusing "principled" can make writing sound preachy or detached from reality.

Linguistic Context

Principled functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something guided by or based on strong moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms that it's generally considered correct to use this term. For example, "a principled man in the presidential office is nothing short of revolutionary in Nigeria."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "principled" is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is based on or guided by strong moral principles. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and is commonly used in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. It is often employed to convey admiration or respect for an individual's or entity's commitment to ethical standards. While versatile, it's important to ensure its use is appropriate for the context, avoiding overuse in situations where practical considerations take precedence. Alternatives include "ethical", "moral", and "upright". Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application across diverse scenarios, reinforcing its role as a descriptor for moral integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical

Focuses more specifically on adherence to a code of ethics.

moral

Emphasizes adherence to accepted standards of right and wrong.

upright

Suggests honesty and integrity in character and behavior.

honorable

Implies a commitment to high standards of conduct and integrity.

virtuous

Highlights moral excellence and righteousness.

scrupulous

Emphasizes strict adherence to moral or ethical considerations.

righteous

Implies moral uprightness and a sense of justice.

just

Highlights fairness and impartiality in judgment and action.

fair-minded

Emphasizes impartiality and objectivity in considering different viewpoints.

high-minded

Suggests elevated moral principles and ideals.

FAQs

How can I use "principled" in a sentence?

You can use "principled" to describe someone who consistently acts according to their moral beliefs, such as, "She is a "principled" leader who always prioritizes integrity."

What are some alternatives to the word "principled"?

Alternatives to "principled" include "ethical", "moral", or "upright", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "very principled"?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is "very "principled"" to emphasize the strength of their commitment to moral principles. This usage is common and grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "principled" and "pragmatic"?

"Principled" describes actions based on moral beliefs, while "pragmatic" describes actions based on practical considerations and achieving desired outcomes, even if it means compromising on some principles.