principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to fundamental truths, rules, or beliefs that guide behavior or reasoning. Example: "The principles of honesty and integrity are essential in building trust within a team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, Franks, comparing the anti-abortion movement to the campaign to abolish slavery, said the issue cut to the heart of the founding principles of the GOP.

The Guardian

"The whole-life tariff is against all principles of international law as it denies any possibility of reform of rehabilitation," says Bhatt Murphy's Simon Creighton, the solicitor representing the prisoners at the European court.

The Guardian

'The confidence which came from a second victory would encourage the Government to reclaim the principles it had abandoned.

The Guardian

It's counterproductive for Wong to insist that it isn't enough for conservative women to merely support the principles of gender equality.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Miliband has delivered a harsh critique of his brother's election campaign, saying it appeared to push the Labour party backwards from the principles of aspiration and inclusion.

The Guardian

Recently, UNDP introduced legal aid for justice, an initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to legal aid systems across different regions, using the UN principles and guidelines on access to legal aid in criminal justice systems as its foundation.

The Guardian

"You can feel the frustration that people have, that the principles have been abandoned by Labour.

The Guardian

Granting the officers anonymity would be a "major derogation of the open justice principles", said barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher, for the media.

The Guardian

The Riddell principles were easy to uphold in 13 of the last 15 elections.

The Guardian

A book of Jane's early, pre-portrait work, The Unknown Bown (2007): reveals a technical virtuosity and an innate understanding of the principles of good composition.

The Guardian - Arts

It was strangely exhilarating to see Ed Miliband with at least three parties politically to his left, the Scottish and Welsh Nationalists and the Greens, with even Nick Clegg somewhat shamelessly rediscovering the leftish Lib Dem principles he largely betrayed for his five years in office with the Tories.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, ensure the "principles" you reference are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "principles" interchangeably with personal preferences or opinions; "principles" typically refer to widely accepted or foundational beliefs, not individual tastes.

Linguistic Context

The word "principles" functions primarily as a noun, often used in the plural form to denote a set of fundamental truths, rules, or beliefs that guide behavior or reasoning. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly appears in contexts discussing ethical, legal, or philosophical foundations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "principles" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to refer to fundamental truths or beliefs. Ludwig's AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. When using "principles", ensure clarity in defining the specific tenets you are referencing. Related phrases include "core values", "ethical standards" and "fundamental tenets". Remember that "principles" differs from "principals", and it’s best applied to widely accepted foundations rather than personal opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core values

Emphasizes the importance of central beliefs that guide actions and decisions.

ethical standards

Focuses specifically on moral guidelines and codes of conduct.

fundamental tenets

Highlights the basic doctrines or beliefs of a system or organization.

basic concepts

Refers to the foundational ideas or understandings of a subject.

governing rules

Stresses the regulations and laws that control conduct or procedures.

key doctrines

Highlights the most important teachings or beliefs of a philosophy or religion.

moral compass

Metaphorically describes an internal sense of right and wrong guiding behavior.

established norms

Focuses on the accepted standards or ways of behaving in a group or society.

primary directives

Highlights the main instructions or orders that must be followed.

philosophical foundations

Emphasizes the theoretical basis upon which ideas or systems are built.

FAQs

How to use "principles" in a sentence?

You can use "principles" to refer to fundamental beliefs or rules. For example, "The company was founded on the principles of honesty and integrity."

What can I say instead of "principles"?

You can use alternatives like "core values", "ethical standards", or "fundamental tenets" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "principles" or "principals"?

"Principles" refers to fundamental truths or propositions, while "principals" refers to the chief or head of an organization, like a school. Ensure you use the correct term based on your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "principles" and "standards"?

"Principles" are foundational beliefs that guide behavior, while "standards" are specific levels of quality or attainment. "Principles" are more abstract and overarching, whereas "standards" are more concrete and measurable.