sound principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sound principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental truth or rule that is reliable and well-founded. Example: "In decision-making, adhering to a sound principle can lead to better outcomes and greater success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

We believe the division of powers is a sound principle".

The Guardian

It's a sound principle, and one Beijing will probably ignore.

The Guardian

Mill seized every chance for exposing departures from sound principle in Parliament and courts of justice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This sound principle may also be applied to the seasonality of fruit and vegetables.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In life there's a sound principle: make a little do for a lot".

The Guardian - Books

It seems a sound principle, and incompetence was hardly unknown in the traditional, command-and-control model of public services.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Those are sound principles.

The Guardian - Books

They're very sound principles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We need decisions made on sound principles.

The New York Times

Whether or not one makes decisions based upon sound principles.

The New York Times

Those are both sound principles, too.The problematic part of the agenda is voluntarism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sound principle" when you want to convey the idea of a guiding rule or fundamental truth that is reliable and well-reasoned.

Common error

Avoid using "sound principle" to describe something that is widely considered common sense. Instead, reserve it for principles that require some explanation or justification to be fully appreciated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound principle" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sound" modifies the noun "principle". It typically introduces a fundamental concept or rule deemed logical, reasonable, and likely to yield positive outcomes, aligning with Ludwig AI's observations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sound principle" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that refers to a logical and reliable guiding rule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is found across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and business. To effectively use "sound principle", ensure it applies logically and support it with concrete evidence. While appropriate for formal settings, it should be reserved for significant ideas, not everyday common sense. Alternatives such as "valid precept" or "solid tenet" can add nuance depending on your intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid precept

Emphasizes the authoritative and justifiable nature of the guiding rule.

solid tenet

Highlights the firmness and established acceptance of the belief or doctrine.

firm guideline

Stresses the steadfast and dependable aspect of the provided direction.

reliable doctrine

Focuses on the trustworthiness and established nature of the teaching or belief.

well-founded rule

Highlights that the rule is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

reasonable axiom

Suggests that the self-evident truth is sensible and logical.

logical basis

Emphasizes that the foundation is rooted in clear and rational thought.

justifiable premise

Indicates that the foundational statement can be defended with good reasons.

defensible theory

Implies that the proposed explanation can be supported against criticism.

trustworthy standard

Highlights the dependable and consistent nature of the established measure.

FAQs

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

You can use "sound principle" to describe an idea, method, or rule that is logical, reasonable, and likely to produce good results. For instance, "The company's success is built upon the "sound principle" of prioritizing customer satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "sound principle"?

Alternatives to "sound principle" include "valid precept", "solid tenet", or "firm guideline". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sound principle" a formal or informal expression?

"Sound principle" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, it is often used in more formal writing or speech when discussing important concepts or strategies.

What makes a principle "sound"?

A principle is considered "sound" when it is based on logic, reason, and evidence. It should also be consistently applicable and likely to produce desirable outcomes. A "sound principle" is one that can be reliably used as a guide for decision-making or action.