stick to principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stick to principles" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to remain steadfast and follow one's set of beliefs or moral code. Example: Despite facing immense pressure from his peers, John always stuck to his principles and refused to engage in dishonest practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The challenge for the company now will be to stick to principles.

The New York Times

Among those who said the president should "stick to principles", he also won.

The Guardian - Opinion

While priests and bishops "stick to principles," he said, "we leave a lot of the messiness of politics up to you".

The New York Times

To them, the best way to address the crisis is to stick to principles, the most important of which is preserving price stability.

The New York Times

Should parties sacrifice power to stick to principles or should winning be the main objective, even if it means betraying principles?

The Guardian

They must be men who are willing to stick to principles and to fight for their full realisation...Hayek was concerned with principles, not with the political reality of implementing them.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Stick to principle".

The New York Times

That's when Mr. Rove chimes in that the president ought to "stick to principle".

The New York Times

Rove brings the president back in line, urging him to "stick to principle".

The Guardian

Even so, the White House must stick to principle and continue to enforce the 1989 law, whatever the consequences.

The New York Times

In a losing battle, it's almost always better for morale to stick to principle than abandon it, and it probably increases the odds of winning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "stick to principles", ensure that the principles are clearly defined and understood. This provides context and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid selectively applying principles based on convenience or personal gain. This undermines credibility and weakens the overall message. Consistently adhere to your stated principles to maintain integrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to principles" functions as a directive and descriptive expression. It encourages adherence to a specific set of beliefs or moral guidelines, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stick to principles" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys the importance of adhering to a set of beliefs or moral guidelines. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, with a notable presence in news and media. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to clearly define the principles in question and consistently apply them to maintain integrity. Alternatives such as "adhere to principles" or "uphold principles" can be used to add nuance to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to principles

Replaces "stick to" with "adhere to", maintaining the emphasis on following a set of beliefs but using a slightly more formal tone.

abide by principles

Similar to "adhere to principles", but with a slightly stronger connotation of obligation and commitment.

uphold principles

Emphasizes maintaining and defending principles, adding a sense of active support and preservation.

stand by one's convictions

Shifts focus to personal beliefs and the courage to defend them, rather than simply adhering to a set of rules.

be steadfast in one's beliefs

Highlights the unwavering and resolute nature of holding onto one's beliefs, rather than the principles themselves.

remain true to one's values

Replaces "principles" with "values", highlighting the personal and moral aspect of adherence.

maintain integrity

Focuses on overall moral character, suggesting that sticking to principles is a key component of integrity.

stay consistent with beliefs

Highlights the importance of aligning actions with established beliefs, emphasizing consistency over time.

keep faith with ideals

Emphasizes loyalty to ideals, adding a sense of aspiration and commitment to a higher standard.

hold fast to standards

Conveys a sense of unwavering commitment to established standards, implying resistance to external pressures.

FAQs

How can I use "stick to principles" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to principles" to emphasize the importance of adhering to a set of beliefs or moral code, for example: "Despite the challenges, it's crucial to "stick to principles" and maintain integrity."

What are some alternatives to saying "stick to principles"?

Alternatives include "adhere to principles", "uphold principles", or "stand by one's convictions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always beneficial to "stick to principles"?

While "sticking to principles" is generally seen as a virtue, there may be situations where flexibility and compromise are necessary. However, it's important to carefully consider the potential consequences of deviating from your core principles.

What's the difference between "stick to principles" and "stick to values"?

While the terms are related, "stick to principles" often refers to a more structured set of guidelines or rules, whereas "stick to values" emphasizes personal beliefs and moral convictions. Principles tend to be more externally defined, and values are internally held.