stick to the principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stick to the principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the importance of adhering to a specific principle or guideline in a discussion or decision-making process. Example: "In our negotiations, it's crucial that we stick to the principle of transparency to build trust with our partners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

We wanted to stick to the principle of keeping interactions light and focused.

The Guardian

But I do believe that we must stick to the principle that you are innocent until proven guilty".

The Guardian

As a human rights defender, I stick to the principle that we need a mass civil standing, peaceful civil resistance which would lead to changes in the society.

The Guardian

But he added: "I think it is right to stick to the principle that we shouldn't be encouraging people to make this dangerous journey.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, Lopate would have done better to stick to the principle that brevity, up to the point where compression collapses, invariably carries more implication than expansiveness ever can.

The New York Times - Books

Those in the sport who defend the decision to race in Bahrain ask, in effect, Why pick on Formula One? Don't other international sports — almost all of them — stick to the principle that sports and politics shouldn't mix?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"We stick to the principles that decisions should be taken in NATO," he said.

The New York Times

Some Democrats, including the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, have voiced concern over plans to build the Islamic center, while Republicans like Mr. Hatch insist that the government stick to the principles of religious liberty for which the law stands.

The New York Times

"What we want is to keep the gallery open and stick to the principles it had when it was founded, which is as a place for art that is open to all.

The Guardian - Arts

Although 62 backbenchers signed the letter calling on her to stick to the principles of Brexit, their bigger worry is that it won't happen at all if they don't give May some room for manoeuvre.

The Guardian

The hosts continued to stick to the principles that have brought such rewards so far yet they barely troubled Ben Foster in the Watford goal, as Doucouré and Capoue controlled midfield.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context; "stick to the principle" can sound firm. For softer contexts, consider alternatives like "respect the doctrine".

Common error

A common mistake is applying "stick to the principle" when the principle is not universally applicable or requires nuanced interpretation. Make sure the principle aligns with the situation's ethics and practicalities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to the principle" functions primarily as a directive phrase, emphasizing the need to adhere to a specific guiding principle. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its correct usage. Examples from Ludwig show its application across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick to the principle" is a phrase used to emphasize adherence to a guiding rule or belief, as verified by Ludwig AI. Its usage is most common in News & Media and Science contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure the principle is well-defined and relevant to the situation at hand. Alternatives like "adhere to the tenet" or "uphold the standard" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid applying this phrase when the principle is not universally applicable or requires nuanced interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to the tenet

Emphasizes a formal commitment to a specific belief or doctrine, suggesting a slightly more rigid adherence than the original phrase.

uphold the standard

Focuses on maintaining a specific level of quality or behavior, shifting from abstract principles to practical benchmarks.

maintain the guideline

Highlights the act of keeping a particular direction or procedure, making it more actionable than the original phrase.

abide by the rule

Stresses compliance with a specific regulation, providing a more legalistic connotation than the general principle.

observe the precept

Implies a more religious or moral obligation to follow a guiding instruction, adding a layer of ethical commitment.

stand by the conviction

Emphasizes the personal belief and resolve to support a principle, which may involve courage and potential sacrifice.

keep to the ethos

Focuses on maintaining the spirit and character of a group or organization, rather than strictly adhering to a defined rule.

honor the commitment

Highlights the aspect of respect and duty towards an agreed principle or promise, adding a social and ethical responsibility.

respect the doctrine

Stresses the importance of acknowledging and valuing a set of beliefs, even if there is no active enforcement.

follow the code

Conveys adherence to a set of rules or ethical standards that define a group or profession, providing a sense of community and exclusivity.

FAQs

How can I use "stick to the principle" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to the principle" to emphasize the importance of adhering to a guideline. For example, "In negotiations, we must stick to the principle of fairness".

What are some alternatives to "stick to the principle"?

Alternatives include "adhere to the tenet", "uphold the standard", or "maintain the guideline", depending on the context.

Is "stick to the principle" formal or informal?

"Stick to the principle" is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its impact can vary based on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "stick to the principle"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of consistently following a rule or belief. Ensure the principle is well-defined and relevant to the situation.