principles prevail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principles prevail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that fundamental beliefs or values are ultimately successful or dominant in a situation. Example: "In the end, it was clear that principles prevail, guiding the team to make the right decision despite the challenges they faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Like you, I want to see our principles prevail in November," Cruz told the thousands gathered.

The Guardian

In the schools, traditional principles prevail so much that different artist-monks generally perform only certain functions in the production of a single icon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I am still not convinced that these values can be adopted by Chinese (or other Asian societies) where completely different cultures and philosophical principles prevail, for example the strong respect for hierarchical order.

The Guardian

Although the same basic principles prevail for hydrodynamic loads on ships and offshore structures, actual problems and methods for assessing these loads in the design and operation stage are not the same.

Ocean Engineering

Imagine remembering to re-engineer your reactions to situations when these principles prevail as a constant.

Huffington Post

Teachers are a particularly good target, as part of the deliberate effort to destroy the public education system from kindergarten through the universities by privatization -- again, good for the wealthy, but a disaster for the population, as well as the long-term health of the economy, but that is one of the externalities that is put to the side insofar as market principles prevail.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

GUANGZHOU, China — For two decades after the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, China seemed on the surface like a country where free-market and even laissez-faire principles prevailed.

The New York Times

Marx thought that in this new society markets will continue for a prolonged period: "the same principle prevails as that which regulates the exchange of commodities, as far as this is the exchange of equal values".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is found that the same principle prevails in all PCE methods, that is, due to inertial difference, solid particles preferentially decelerate and separate from the gas stream when the main flow deviates in flow orientation.

China Particuology

The public is angry and frustrated, but as long as the Muasher principle prevails, that doesn't matter.

Huffington Post

Past governments have coddled chaebol, but the current one says free-market principles should prevail.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the ultimate importance of morals over expediency, use the phrase "principles prevail". It suggests a long-term perspective where fundamental values are more important than short-term gains.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "principles prevail" is more suitable for formal or analytical writing. Avoid using it in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives like "doing the right thing won" or "values mattered most" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principles prevail" functions as a statement asserting the dominance or ultimate success of specific principles. It's used to emphasize that certain beliefs or values have a significant impact or influence, as Ludwig's examples illustrate. It is always used when something has to be prefered over something else.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principles prevail" is grammatically correct and functions as a statement asserting the dominance of core values. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its usage is more common in formal contexts like News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While not incorrect, it's best to avoid using the phrase in casual conversation where it might sound unnatural. Alternatives such as "values triumph" or ""ethics win out"" can be useful depending on the specific context. When deciding if this phrase is correct, consider that the situations described with the phrase are more about importance and making a decision in a crossroad of possible values to follow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

values triumph

Emphasizes the victory of values over other considerations.

ethics win out

Focuses specifically on ethical considerations being the deciding factor.

ideals dominate

Highlights the powerful influence of ideals in a given situation.

morals take precedence

Stresses the importance of moral considerations above all else.

standards hold sway

Indicates that established standards are in control or have the greatest influence.

tenets are upheld

Focuses on the active maintenance and defense of certain beliefs or principles.

virtues reign supreme

Emphasizes that positive character traits are the ultimate authority.

beliefs hold true

Highlights the enduring relevance and applicability of certain beliefs.

doctrines hold firm

Focuses on the unwavering nature of specific doctrines or teachings.

creeds take hold

Suggests that certain creeds or sets of beliefs are gaining influence and acceptance.

FAQs

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

You can use "principles prevail" to express that certain core beliefs or values are ultimately more important or successful in a given situation. For example, "Despite the temptation for short-term profit, "ethics win out" and the company chose the sustainable path".

What's a more formal way to say "principles prevail"?

While "principles prevail" is already fairly formal, you could consider phrases like "ideals dominate" or "morals take precedence" to further emphasize the significance of the principles in question.

What can I say instead of "principles prevail" in a more casual context?

In a more casual context, consider using phrases like "the right thing won", "values triumph", or "morality won out" to convey a similar meaning without the formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "principles prevail"?

While grammatically correct, using "principles prevail" in highly informal or colloquial settings might sound unnatural. Choose language appropriate for your audience and the context. For example, is less appropriate in a casual chat between friends than in a formal essay.