stick to your principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stick to your principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when it is important that someone remain firm in their beliefs or values. For example, you could say "No matter what, stick to your principles and don't compromise your values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"You have to know when to stick to your principles and fight," she said, "and know when to make principled compromises".

The New York Times

"What it means to stick to your principles," Hina said.

The New Yorker

"You have to stick to your principles," she said.

The New York Times

"First of all, I believe that if you stick to your principles, you will win.

The New York Times

You've got to stick to your principles and passions and think about the final outcome at times like that.

The Guardian - Money

If I could go back 10 years and meet my former self I'd tell them... stick to your principles.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"As deputy first minister in that government, I learned how to balance sticking to your principles with making the concessions needed to get the work of government done.

The Guardian

Ashon's recent signings show that sticking to your principles can pay off: they include the filthy Philadelphian booty-bass troupe Spank Rock, baile funk enthusiast and MIA producer Diplo, and Bow-born grime pace-setter Wiley, who was so pleased with the profit share his contract yielded that he recorded a single, 50/50, in tribute.

The Guardian - Music

Then go home and take a bath and feel good about sticking to your principles and being the honorable person you really are, deep inside".

Huffington Post

Try sticking to your principles and don't say the opposite a few moments later.

WikiHow

The lesson from the unprecedented mobilization here in Ohio over the last six months is that you win by standing up for decency and fairness, that you stick to your core principles instead of seeking compromise with Republicans, and that elections are won when you can distill the anger, the passion and the enthusiasm of ordinary working people into a genuinely grass-roots campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "stick to your principles", be specific about which principles are most relevant in the given situation. This provides clearer guidance and strengthens the impact of your advice.

Common error

While it's important to "stick to your principles", be careful not to become overly rigid. Evaluate situations critically and be willing to adapt your approach when necessary. Blind adherence can lead to missed opportunities or ineffective outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to your principles" functions as an imperative, typically used to advise or encourage someone to remain steadfast in their beliefs or values. Ludwig examples confirm its role in offering guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stick to your principles" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to advise maintaining moral integrity. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, as well as formal business contexts. Related phrases include "uphold your values" and "stay true to yourself". While generally positive, it's important to balance adherence with adaptability. Remember to be specific when advising which principles matter most. Avoid becoming overly rigid in your approach, as illustrated by Ludwig examples. Overall, the sentiment is a reminder to act in accordance with one's core beliefs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uphold your values

Focuses on actively maintaining and defending one's values.

stand by your beliefs

Emphasizes the act of supporting and defending one's beliefs, even in the face of opposition.

stay true to yourself

Highlights the importance of authenticity and aligning actions with one's inner self.

remain faithful to your ideals

Stresses the importance of staying committed to one's guiding ideals and aspirations.

keep your integrity

Focuses on maintaining moral uprightness and honesty in all actions.

don't compromise your values

Advises against making concessions that would betray one's deeply held values.

maintain your moral compass

Highlights the importance of having a strong sense of right and wrong to guide one's actions.

hold firm to your convictions

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a firm stance on one's deeply held convictions.

stay resolute in your beliefs

Focuses on remaining determined and unwavering in one's beliefs, despite challenges.

defend your standards

Highlights the importance of actively protecting and upholding one's personal standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "stick to your principles" to advise someone to remain true to their core beliefs, such as, "No matter the pressure, always stick to your principles".

What's a less common way to say "stick to your principles"?

Alternatives to "stick to your principles" include more formal phrases like "uphold your values" or "hold firm to your convictions".

Is it ever bad to "stick to your principles"?

While admirable, rigidly "sticking to your principles" can be detrimental if it prevents you from adapting to changing circumstances or considering alternative perspectives. Flexibility is also key.

What's the difference between "stick to your principles" and "stay true to yourself"?

"Stick to your principles" emphasizes adherence to a specific set of moral or ethical guidelines, whereas "stay true to yourself" focuses on authenticity and aligning actions with one's inner values and identity.