principles of things

USAGE SUMMARY

"principles of things" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental rules, beliefs, or standards governing an entity or system. For example, "The success of a democratic society depends on its adherence to the principles of things such as equality and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Something of this commonness plainness as well as coarseness characterized Edinburgh's intellectual heyday: a strong, broad, confident ability to grasp the first principles of things and to explain them in the common language, preferably through conversation and debate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is it kinds or individuals that are the elements and principles of things?

SEP

Alcmaeon agrees with these Pythagoreans in regarding the opposites as principles of things.

SEP

Space is (one of) the general principles of things and other existing entities.

SEP

He notes a similarity between Alcmaeon and a group of Pythagoreans in positing opposites as the principles of things but expresses uncertainty as to who influenced whom.

SEP

Following Aquinas, Maritain holds that metaphysics deals with being as being (ens inquantum ens), i.e., it "investigates the first principles of things and their highest causes" (Preface to Metaphysics, p. 27).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Florio advanced to the lectern and said curtly, "You have to go beyond the general principle of things".

The New York Times - Magazine

Protestant radicals went along with this compromise in the expectation that the principle of "things indifferent" meant that Elizabeth would, when the political dust had settled, rid her church of the "livery of Antichrist" and discard its "papal rags".

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the very core of this dynamic edifice stands nature, the "dark cloud" (ʿamāʾ) or "mist" (bukhār), as the ultimate principle of things and forms: intelligence, heavenly bodies, and elements and their mixtures that culminate in the "perfect man".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like these German Idealists, however, Schopenhauer also tries to explain how the world that we experience daily, is the result of the activity of the central principle of things.

SEP

Bonaventure begins by distinguishing the consideration of matter from the actual existence of matter in the order of natural history.[20] We may consider matter simply as a constitutive principle of things and as such it is pure potency; this is the way that the concept of matter functions in Aristotle's Physics and, to Bonaventure's mind, how Augustine spoke of matter in the Confessions.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "principles of things" to refer to the fundamental rules or beliefs that govern them.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "principles of things" when simpler terms like "basics" or "fundamentals" would suffice. Reserve it for more complex or philosophical discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principles of things" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify nouns or clauses, providing context about the fundamental concepts or rules governing a particular subject. Ludwig shows this phrase appearing mostly in scientific and philosophical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

29%

News & Media

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principles of things" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that is used to refer to the fundamental rules or beliefs governing a system or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While uncommon, it appears most frequently in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for complex or philosophical discussions and consider more common alternatives like "basics" or "fundamentals" for simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental tenets of existence

Replaces "principles" with "tenets" and "things" with "existence", emphasizing the core beliefs about being.

basic laws of reality

Substitutes "principles" with "laws" and "things" with "reality", focusing on the governing rules of the universe.

core doctrines of entities

Uses "doctrines" instead of "principles" and "entities" instead of "things", highlighting the established teachings about beings.

underlying concepts of phenomena

Emphasizes the "underlying concepts" rather than principles and replaces "things" with "phenomena", shifting the focus to observable events.

foundational elements of subjects

Replaces "principles" with "foundational elements" and "things" with "subjects", emphasizing the essential components of topics.

primary ideals of objects

Substitutes "principles" with "ideals" and "things" with "objects", highlighting the guiding values of physical items.

essential rules of items

Uses "rules" instead of "principles" and "items" instead of "things", focusing on the governing guidelines of specific objects.

key foundations of matters

Replaces "principles" with "key foundations" and "things" with "matters", emphasizing the crucial underpinnings of issues.

governing precepts of creations

Substitutes "principles" with "precepts" and "things" with "creations", highlighting the rules governing created entities.

central dogmas of beings

Uses "dogmas" instead of "principles" and "beings" instead of "things", focusing on the core beliefs about living creatures.

FAQs

How can I use "principles of things" in a sentence?

You can use "principles of things" to refer to the fundamental rules or beliefs that govern a system, concept, or entity. For example, "Understanding the "principles of things" is crucial for grasping complex philosophical concepts".

What phrases are similar to "principles of things"?

Similar phrases include "fundamental tenets of existence", "basic laws of reality", and "core doctrines of entities", depending on the specific context.

Is "principles of things" formal or informal language?

"Principles of things" tends to be more formal, often appearing in philosophical, scientific, or academic contexts. Simpler terms might be preferred in casual conversation.

In what fields would I typically encounter "principles of things"?

You're most likely to encounter "principles of things" in philosophy, science, and theoretical discussions. It's less common in everyday conversation or informal writing.