ruling principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ruling principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental rule or guideline that governs behavior or decision-making in a particular context. Example: "The ruling principle of our organization is to prioritize transparency and integrity in all our dealings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's the ruling principle of the Inferno.

Stanford University

That's the ruling principle of American freedom, the source of our democratic liberties.

The New York Times

The main opposition leader, Martine Aubry, first secretary of the Parti Socialiste, said yesterday that the Sarkozy administration had made "lies" into "the ruling principle of the state".

Independent

From Camacho, Mario learns to let "contrast, not continuity, be the ruling principle of composition: the complete change of place, milieu, mood, subject, and characters".

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, by the late nineties, incapacitation — locking a lot of people up for long terms to prevent crime — was the new ruling principle in criminal justice.

The New Yorker

They are too intensely beautiful for any such mere use, but they pointedly sacrifice the strict autonomy that had been a ruling principle in modern painting since Cézanne.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Constantly observe who those are whose approbation thou wishest to have, and what ruling principles they possess.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

After a Democratic governor was elected to head the former North Carolina ("The Pure Pee State"), last month that region's outgoing leadership replaced America's constitutional democracy with a system of government modeled on ruling principles a high-placed Republican described as "way better".

Huffington Post

North Korea's ruling principles are based on Juche ideology, which is itself based on Marxist materialism.

The Guardian

Do not look around thee to discover other men's ruling principles, but look straight to this, to what nature leads thee, both the universal nature through the things which happen to thee, and thy own nature through the acts which must be done by thee.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dehumanizing other people does not "put America first". Instead it creates an environment in American culture in which fear, distrust, and hatred are the ruling principles.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ruling principle", ensure the context clearly establishes what area or aspect of life the principle governs. For instance, specify whether it applies to a business, a philosophy, or personal ethics.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "ruling principle" as the only factor determining outcomes. Acknowledge other influences and complexities to maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruling principle" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a guiding or dominant rule or belief. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from legal to personal domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ruling principle" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that denotes a core belief or guideline that governs decisions or behavior. As the Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, especially in news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "governing principle", "central tenet", and "fundamental law" exist, "ruling principle" effectively conveys a dominant and controlling influence. When using it, ensure the context clarifies what the principle governs and avoid overstating its influence by acknowledging other contributing factors. Using Ludwig's examples can further refine its accurate application in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

governing principle

Substitutes "ruling" with "governing", emphasizing the controlling aspect of the principle.

principal rule

Swaps "principle" with synonym, "rule", retaining the meaning of a main guide.

primary directive

Replaces both words to highlight the key direction that the principle provides.

central tenet

Emphasizes the importance of the principle as a core belief or doctrine.

core doctrine

Similar to 'central tenet', focusing on the fundamental nature of the principle as a teaching.

fundamental law

Highlights the principle's role as a basic and essential rule.

overarching guideline

Emphasizes the broad and comprehensive nature of the principle's guidance.

key consideration

Focuses on the principle as a crucial factor in decision-making.

basic standard

Replaces the words with simple synonyms to express that the principle serves as the most essential measure for evaluation.

dominant ideology

Shifts the focus to the principle's role as a prevailing set of beliefs or ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "ruling principle" in a sentence?

You can use "ruling principle" to describe a core belief or guideline that governs decisions or behavior in a specific context. For example: "Justice should be the "ruling principle" of the legal system".

What's a good alternative to "ruling principle"?

Alternatives include "governing principle", "central tenet", or "fundamental law", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ruling principle" formal or informal?

"Ruling principle" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication. It can be used in academic papers, news articles, or even casual discussions about values.

What's the difference between a "ruling principle" and a "general guideline"?

A "ruling principle" implies a more fundamental and controlling influence than a "general guideline". A ruling principle is a core belief that strongly directs actions, while a general guideline offers more flexible guidance.