principles aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"principles aside" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to express that a certain point of view is being set aside for the purpose of examining an issue from an alternate perspective. For example: "The issue of fairness is important, but principles aside, what is the most practical solution to this problem?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Instead of strategically applying our power and our principles, we too often set those principles aside as luxuries that we could no longer afford.

The Guardian

The European court disappointed advocates of religious liberty when it upheld Turkey's ban on the headscarf in universities.The risk in the garagesLegal principles aside, there are pragmatic reasons for favouring the American way.

The Economist

"I really take issue with the notion that he opportunistically set his principles aside," an official who worked closely with him said, adding, "I think where some people have a hard time is that, ideologically, General McMaster may find himself aligned with the main thrust of Trump's foreign policy".

The New Yorker

Instead of strategically applying our power and our principles, too often we set those principles aside as luxuries that we could no longer afford.

Huffington Post

I think there are some white, evangelical women who are articulating exactly that, who are saying, "No, this evangelical community is leaving these Christian principles aside, and that's not who we are".

Huffington Post

It is both stunning and sad to see a man who has been a model of courage and conviction simply toss his principles aside in the face of a primary challenge from a failed politician/talk show host.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Wiseman insists that, Heisenberg's principle aside, his filming does not alter the subjects' behavior.

The New York Times

However, I'll put principle aside for a moment and focus on the practical.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Truffaut soon pushed that principle aside, and discussed his changing practices with Ross when they talked again, in 1964.

The New Yorker

Perhaps Green, an ordained lay minister in the Church of England, will now see fit to set this particular principle aside.

The Guardian - Business

Being a superpower means having relations with lots of unsavoury regimes, yet America need not be so eager to put principle aside when dealing with its old ally.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principles aside" to introduce an alternative perspective or a more pragmatic approach, especially when acknowledging that principles are important but not the primary focus in the current context. For example: "The ethical implications are significant, but "principles aside", what are the potential economic benefits of this policy?"

Common error

Avoid using "principles aside" as a crutch to dismiss ethical or moral considerations without providing a sound justification. Always ensure that the alternative perspective you are presenting has a logical basis and isn't simply a way to bypass difficult ethical questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principles aside" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a condition or concession. It essentially means 'despite principles' or 'leaving principles out of the equation'. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and serves to introduce an alternate perspective. The examples on Ludwig show it used to shift focus from ethical to practical considerations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "principles aside" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that ethical or moral principles are being temporarily set aside to consider a different perspective, typically a more practical one. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While not overly common, the phrase appears in news media, scientific publications, and general discussions. To ensure proper usage, avoid using it as a means to dismiss ethical considerations entirely, and be prepared to justify the alternative perspective you present. Phrases like "leaving principles aside" or "putting principles to one side" offer similar, yet slightly different, nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving principles aside

Adds a sense of actively choosing to ignore principles.

putting principles to one side

Emphasizes a temporary setting aside of principles.

disregarding principles

Implies a more deliberate and potentially negative action.

regardless of principles

Highlights a lack of concern for principles.

ethics aside

Narrows the scope to ethical considerations specifically.

morality aside

Similar to ethics aside, focusing on moral considerations.

practicality considered

Shifts the focus to what is practical regardless of ideals.

for the sake of argument

Indicates a hypothetical setting aside of principles.

abstracting from principles

Suggests a formal or academic setting aside of principles for analysis.

forgetting principles

Suggests a complete disregard, either intentionally or unintentionally, for principles.

FAQs

How can I use "principles aside" in a sentence?

Use "principles aside" to indicate that you are temporarily setting aside ethical or moral considerations to focus on a more practical aspect of a situation. For example: "Principles aside, what are the immediate financial implications of this decision?"

What is a good alternative to "principles aside"?

Alternatives include phrases like "leaving principles aside", "putting principles to one side", or "disregarding principles", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "principles aside"?

It's appropriate to use "principles aside" when you want to acknowledge the existence of ethical or moral considerations but need to prioritize a different aspect, such as practicality or feasibility, for the purpose of discussion or decision-making.

Is it always acceptable to set "principles aside"?

While it's sometimes necessary to set "principles aside" for practical reasons, it's important to do so thoughtfully and transparently. Consider the potential consequences and be prepared to justify your decision.