strong principles

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong principles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when expressing the importance of adhering to certain values or beliefs. For example, "I strive to live by strong principles and never waiver from them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was a man of strong principles and integrity.

The New York Times

He was a quiet man of strong principles.

The New York Times

Highlighting Clinton's opportunism and lack of strong principles.

The Washington Post

His gently impish demeanor belies very strong principles.

The New York Times

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given its lineage, OS was organised along strong principles of leaderlessness, horizontality and consensus.

The Guardian

His love, wisdom and strong principles will be with us always.

The New York Times

A man of strong principles and beliefs, he held himself to exacting standards.

The New York Times

Do we want legislators who have strong principles, or just our principles?

The New York Times

She's a very bright person, with clear, strong principles and well thought-through positions.

The Guardian

Let's turn to another Liberal known for his strong principles on such matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was a man of strong principles and integrity and had an unbounded capacity for empathy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase in professional summaries or character descriptions to emphasize integrity and reliability without sounding overly aggressive.

Common error

Ensure you do not use the spelling "principals" when referring to rules or values. A "principal" is a person in a leading position or a sum of money, whereas a "principle" is a fundamental truth or law. Writing "strong principals" would incorrectly imply you are referring to several powerful school heads or leaders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong principles" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strong" acts as an intensifier for the plural noun "principles". According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently used as a complement to the verb "to be" or within prepositional phrases (e.g., "a man of "strong principles""). It establishes a baseline of moral or systemic stability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong principles" is a robust and widely accepted linguistic tool for describing moral and ethical firmness. Analysis by Ludwig AI confirms that it is favored by the world's most prestigious publications to characterize individuals and organizations that prioritize integrity over opportunism. Whether you are writing a biography, a news report or an academic paper, "strong principles" provides a clear and professional way to convey foundational strength. It is grammatically correct and semantically stable, making it a safe and effective choice for any formal or neutral context. Remember to distinguish it from the homophone "principals" to maintain professional credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadfast principles

Emphasizes the unwavering and loyal nature of the beliefs

staunch principles

Suggests a strong, firm and loyal commitment to a specific ideology

unwavering convictions

Shifts focus from external rules to deeply held personal beliefs that do not shake

uncompromising values

Highlights a refusal to make concessions or settle for less than one's ideals

firm tenets

Uses a more formal or doctrinal term for fundamental beliefs

strict moral code

Focuses specifically on the ethical and behavioral constraints of the principles

resolute beliefs

Focuses on the determination and purposeful nature of the individual's mindset

stringent ethics

Implies a higher degree of rigor and precise adherence to rules

solid foundations

A metaphorical variation implying that principles serve as a base for character

powerful ideals

Focuses on the visionary and noble quality of the thoughts held

FAQs

How do I use "strong principles" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe character, such as: "He was a man of "strong principles" who never compromised his integrity."

What is the difference between "strong principles" and "strong convictions"?

While often used interchangeably, "strong principles" refers to the rules or laws one lives by, whereas "strong convictions" refers to the intensity of the belief itself.

What can I say instead of "strong principles"?

Depending on your context, you can use "steadfast principles" for loyalty or "uncompromising values" for strictness.

Is "strong principles" a formal expression?

Yes, it is considered a neutral to formal expression, making it suitable for academic writing, journalism and professional performance reviews.