principled person

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "principled person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is known to be ethical, principled, and honest in their decisions and actions. For example, "My brother is a very principled person; he always makes decisions that are fair and based on his strong moral code."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

STANDING ON HER HIGH MORALS AND PRINCIPLES 4. (C) In an interview published on September 8, Karimova told an Uzbek paper, Darakchi that she is a highly principled person who listens to her conscience.

The Guardian

"She is the most hardworking, dedicated and principled person I have ever met in my time as a sabb [sabbatical officer]," said Ali Milani, president of the University of Brunel student union.

The Guardian

This article then articulates some questions for future research if one presumes that consumer decision making, at least in part, strives to harmonize preferences with bedrock beliefs that the self is an able and principled person.

Journal of Consumer Psychology

"We have an incredibly tough, shrewd, determined and principled person to lead those (Brexit) negotiations for Britain," Hunt told Sky News television.

Huffington Post

The worrying thought is that they might not be that in being driven by principle, our principled person will distort the relevance of relevant features by insisting on filtering them through principles, in a way that is at odds with the falsehood of generalism.

SEP

"I'm a principled person and if principles are not being respected, then obviously I won't be happy with that.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I guess there's a certain satisfaction in holding the minority view and believing you are your own person, principled and clear-thinking, somehow more authentic than the rest.

The Guardian - Opinion

I start with the understanding that Obama is a remarkably smart, principled, and capable person with a durable commitment to the poor and dispossessed.

Huffington Post

Then again, it's a hard accusation to prove: after all, one person's economic sabotage is another person's principled anti-government conservatism.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a telephone interview on Wednesday, Mr. Pinnell said that "Ross is the most principled, honest person I've ever had the pleasure to know".

The New York Times

Manning is the type of principled, idealistic person I thought President Obama to be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "principled person", provide specific examples of their behavior that demonstrate their commitment to those principles. This adds credibility and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "principled person" without clarifying the specific principles that guide their actions. What one person considers principled, another may not. Provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principled person" functions as a noun phrase used to describe an individual who adheres to a strong set of moral or ethical guidelines. As Ludwig AI states, it denotes someone known for their ethical standards and honesty in decision-making.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "principled person" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone who consistently acts according to a strong moral code. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While generally neutral, its impact is strongest when paired with specific examples that illustrate the individual's commitment to their values. Synonyms like ""ethical individual"" or ""person of integrity"" offer alternative ways to express the same idea, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person of integrity

Emphasizes honesty, trustworthiness, and consistency in actions and beliefs.

ethical individual

Focuses on adherence to moral principles in a professional or personal context.

honorable character

Stresses integrity and a commitment to virtuous conduct.

conscientious individual

Focuses on diligence, thoroughness, and a strong sense of responsibility in moral decision-making.

moral agent

Emphasizes the capacity to make moral judgments and be held accountable for actions.

person of high moral standing

Highlights a reputation for strong moral principles and ethical behavior.

virtuous individual

Implies a high degree of moral excellence and righteousness.

upright citizen

Highlights adherence to societal norms and laws, with an emphasis on civic duty.

righteous person

Suggests moral purity and adherence to religious or ethical standards.

noble soul

Emphasizes generosity, compassion, and a commitment to helping others, stemming from strong principles.

FAQs

How can I use "principled person" in a sentence?

You can use "principled person" to describe someone who consistently acts in accordance with their moral values. For instance, "She is a "principled person" who always puts honesty first".

What are some synonyms for "principled person"?

Alternatives include "ethical individual", "person of integrity", or "moral agent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very principled person"?

While "principled" already implies a strong adherence to values, adding "very" can emphasize the extent of their commitment. However, consider whether a more specific adjective might be more descriptive.

What's the difference between a "principled person" and a "moral person"?

While both terms relate to ethical behavior, a "principled person" is guided by a specific set of principles, whereas a "moral person" generally adheres to accepted standards of right and wrong. It's possible to be "moral person" without being explicitly principled.