principled position

USAGE SUMMARY

"principled position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a stance that someone is taking on an issue that they believe to be the right and just thing to do. For example, "The politician took a principled position on gun control and refused to budge no matter the pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That was a tactical response, not a principled position.

The New Yorker

The leaders of France and Germany have a principled position.

The New York Times

"We've done nothing wrong there, and so we're taking a very principled position of this.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Medvedkov said the monitoring plan "does not depart from the framework of Russia's principled position".

The New York Times

Their principled position is evidently no match for parochialism and politics.

The New York Times

But there is no evidence that the principled position is working.

The Economist

"We've done nothing wrong there, and so we're taking a very principled position," he added.

Independent

I might not agree with it, but I respect it for the principled position it is.

The New York Times

Migros definitely earns trust and loyalty from its principled position," wrote Cashmore.

The Guardian

Hitchens grudgingly concedes: "Sure, any principled position is admirable even if it's wrong.

The Guardian

Michelle "takes a very principled position, and she thinks everyone should do the right thing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine the phrase with specific examples or supporting evidence to demonstrate the validity and rationality of the position.

Common error

Avoid labeling a position as "principled" merely because you agree with it. Ensure there's a clear alignment with widely accepted ethical or moral standards, not just personal preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principled position" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "principled" modifies the noun "position". Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principled position" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a stance based on strong moral or ethical beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and indicates its frequent use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the underlying principles are evident and well-supported. Alternatives such as "ethical stance" or "moral ground" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Avoid misattributing the label without clear evidence of ethical grounding. The phrase is best suited for neutral to professional registers, adding credibility and depth to discussions and debates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principled stance

A direct synonym, interchangeable in most contexts.

ethical stance

Emphasizes the ethical or moral aspect of the position.

moral conviction

Highlights a strong belief based on moral principles.

moral ground

Highlights the moral basis or justification for the position.

ethical viewpoint

Similar to "ethical stance", emphasizes a perspective rooted in ethics.

matter of principle

Highlights that the position is based on fundamental beliefs.

firm conviction

Focuses on the strength and depth of belief in the position.

honorable stance

Similar to "upright position", emphasizing honor and integrity.

upright position

Suggests a position that is morally correct and honorable.

scrupulous standpoint

Emphasizes the meticulous and careful consideration of the position.

FAQs

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

You can use "principled position" to describe a stance that someone takes based on strong moral or ethical beliefs. For example, "The senator maintained a "principled position" against the proposed legislation, citing concerns about its impact on civil liberties."

What is the difference between "principled position" and "stubborn stance"?

"Principled position" suggests a well-reasoned and ethically grounded viewpoint, while "stubborn stance" implies inflexibility and resistance to change, potentially without a strong ethical basis. A "principled position" is rooted in values; a stubborn stance may be driven by ego or fear.

What are some alternatives to saying "principled position"?

Alternatives include "ethical stance", "moral ground", or "firm conviction". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always positive to have a "principled position"?

While having a "principled position" is often seen as positive, its reception depends on whether others agree with those principles. A position considered principled by one group may be seen as dogmatic or harmful by another.