stand on principle

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand on principle" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to adhere to one's beliefs or values, even when facing opposition or difficulty. Example: Despite pressure from his colleagues, John refused to compromise and stood on principle, refusing to participate in the unethical business deal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Cato was there, standing up at the very moment it was most difficult to stand on principle.

Huffington Post

Norman continues to stand on principle.

The New York Times - Sports

"We'd like to stand on principle".

The New York Times

It is time to stand on principle and fight.

The New York Times

The Fed cannot afford to stand on principle.

The New York Times

He should just stand on principle, put this behind him and move on".

The New York Times

But to market his new album, "Magna Carta... Holy Grail," he didn't exactly stand on principle.

The New York Times - Arts

Are they being deprived of a valuable experience so adults can stand on principle?

The New York Times

With stakes like that, it becomes very hard to stand on principle.

The New York Times - Books

We are going to stand on principle, even if that makes things more difficult".

The New York Times

And yes, sometimes that means you have to stand on principle even when it's not politically popular.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context: while "stand on principle" is generally positive, excessive rigidity can be portrayed negatively. Balance principle with pragmatism.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition) as "principal" (chief or main). For example, use "stand on principle", not "stand on principal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand on principle" functions as an idiomatic expression, used to describe the act of upholding one's moral or ethical beliefs, even when facing adversity or pressure to compromise. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stand on principle" is a very common idiomatic phrase that means to uphold one's beliefs, even when facing opposition or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. Predominantly used in News & Media contexts, the phrase highlights integrity and commitment to values. When using "stand on principle", be mindful of the potential for appearing inflexible and ensure you are not confusing "principle" with "principal". Consider alternative phrases like "uphold one's convictions" or "adhere to one's values" to adjust the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a principled stand

Similar meaning, but places emphasis on 'taking' action aligned to that belief system.

uphold one's convictions

Focuses on the act of maintaining and defending one's beliefs.

adhere to one's values

Highlights the commitment to a specific set of values.

stick to one's guns

Emphasizes resoluteness and unwillingness to yield.

remain steadfast

Stresses unwavering commitment in the face of adversity.

hold firm to one's beliefs

Highlights the strength and security of one's convictions.

stay true to oneself

Emphasizes authenticity and integrity in adhering to personal values.

maintain one's integrity

Focuses on upholding moral principles and honesty.

defend one's ideals

Highlights the active defense of one's core beliefs.

not compromise one's morals

Emphasizes the refusal to sacrifice ethical standards.

FAQs

How can I use "stand on principle" in a sentence?

You can use "stand on principle" to describe someone who upholds their beliefs despite opposition. For example, "The politician chose to "stand on principle" rather than compromise his values".

What are some alternatives to "stand on principle"?

Alternatives include "uphold one's convictions", "adhere to one's values", or "stick to one's guns", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to compromise or "stand on principle"?

It depends on the situation. While it's important to "stand on principle" regarding core values, sometimes compromise is necessary to achieve practical goals. The best approach balances both.

What does it mean to "take a principled stand"?

The phrase "take a principled stand" is very similar to "stand on principle", emphasizing the act of making a firm and public declaration or action based on one's beliefs.