principles according to which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principles according to which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundational guidelines or rules that govern a particular system or process. Example: "The principles according to which we operate our organization are based on transparency and accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The high professional and economic levels of these bodies and the altruistic religious principles according to which they are supposed to operate seem to have meant nothing.

The New York Times

I have set out today the principles according to which I would conduct that struggle: Passionate support for the Atlantic Alliance within a rebalanced special relationship.

The Guardian

A war fought without the consent of Congress or of the American people is antithetical to the basic principles according to which our country is organized.

The New Yorker

What could reasonably be looked for was a clearer and deeper insight into the conditions that render historical knowledge possible, an elucidation of the presuppositions upon which historical enquiry is founded and of the principles according to which it proceeds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It took a decade of research funded by the German government for the engineers behind it to figure out the "psychoacoustic" principles according to which most of the information in recorded music is in fact inaudible to the human listener and can be thrown away.

The Guardian - Books

The systematic use of the idea of possible worlds has raised, however, the subject of cross identification; i.e., of the principles according to which a member of one possible world is to be found identical or nonidentical with one of another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

At first, when I started collecting them, I took less interest in their contents than in the principle according to which the songs on each one were arranged.

The New York Times - Arts

Parsons also developed the reaction-stage principle according to which a nearly equal pressure drop and energy release takes place in both the stationary and moving blade passages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this work, following Wittgenstein and the members of the Vienna Circle, Ayer defended a verificationist theory of meaning (also called the verifiability principle), according to which an utterance is meaningful only if it expresses a proposition the truth or falsehood of which can be verified (at least in principle) through experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a number of influential articles, the American philosopher Jaegwon Kim argued for an "exclusion principle" according to which, if a functional property is in fact different from the physical properties that are causally sufficient to explain everything that happens, then it is superfluous, just as are the epiphenomenal angels that push around the planets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

ReprintsThis secret pledge is a serious breach of the norms governing international aviation deals especially the "use it or lose it" principle according to which unused take-off or landing slots should be redistributed to the airlines that are next in the queue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principles according to which", ensure the context clearly establishes what those principles are and to what they apply. Providing specific examples can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "principles according to which" in overly complex sentences. Simplify by rephrasing with direct verbs like "govern" or "guide" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principles according to which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the underlying rules or guidelines that govern a particular process or system. Ludwig examples show it commonly introduces clauses explaining foundational concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principles according to which" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the foundational rules or guidelines governing a system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly valid in written English. While it's more formal than simpler alternatives, it's frequently found in academic, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by providing specific examples of the principles and their application. Alternatives like "principles that govern" or "rules by which" can offer a more concise alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principles that govern

Replaces "according to which" with a more direct and concise "that govern".

rules by which

Substitutes "principles" with "rules", emphasizing the regulatory aspect.

guidelines under which

Replaces "principles" with "guidelines", suggesting a more flexible framework.

standards by which

Uses "standards" instead of "principles", highlighting criteria for evaluation.

criteria according to which

Emphasizes the evaluative nature of the principles.

framework within which

Replaces "principles" with "framework", focusing on the structural aspect.

the basis upon which

Offers a more formal alternative, emphasizing the foundation.

the system whereby

Focuses on the procedural aspect, indicating a structured method.

the method through which

Highlights the process or way something is achieved.

the approach by which

Emphasizes a specific method or way of doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "principles according to which" in a sentence?

Use "principles according to which" to introduce the fundamental rules or guidelines that govern a system or process. For example: "The principles according to which the company operates are based on transparency and ethical conduct."

What are some alternatives to using "principles according to which"?

You can use alternatives such as "principles that govern", "rules by which", or "guidelines under which" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "principles according to which" or "governing principles"?

While both are correct, "governing principles" is often more concise and direct. "Principles according to which" can add a level of formality or emphasis on the process of adherence.

In what contexts is "principles according to which" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable in formal writing, academic discussions, or when emphasizing a structured and methodical approach. Consider using simpler alternatives in informal contexts.