the basic principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the basic principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental concept or rule that serves as the foundation for a theory, system, or practice. Example: "The basic principle of democracy is that power ultimately resides with the people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the basic principle of democracy.

The New Yorker

The basic principle was: hack, tap, steal.

The Guardian - Tech

The basic principle is sound.

The Guardian

But the basic principle is simple enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the basic principle still stands.

The Guardian - Opinion

The basic principle was affirmed, not replaced.

The New York Times - Arts

But the basic principle is straightforward.

The Guardian - Opinion

The basic principle of the Moggi system.

The Guardian - Sport

The basic principle of the a levy is sound.

The Guardian - Business

And the basic principle applies to most complex systems.

The New Yorker

The basic principle behind asset forfeiture is appealing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and impact, follow "the basic principle" with a concise explanation or example to reinforce its meaning.

Common error

Avoid stating "the basic principle" without specifying its application. Vague references can dilute the meaning and reduce the effectiveness of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basic principle" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a fundamental rule, law, or idea upon which something is based. Ludwig's examples show its versatile usage in different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the basic principle" is a frequently used phrase that denotes a fundamental concept or rule. It is grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, maintaining a formal tone. Ludwig highlights that while the phrase is accurate, writers should ensure they use it with a specific reference point to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "the fundamental principle" or "the core principle" for nuanced expressions. The frequent usage and clear grammatical function make "the basic principle" a reliable choice for conveying foundational ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fundamental principle

Replaces "basic" with "fundamental", emphasizing the core and essential nature of the principle.

the core principle

Substitutes "basic" with "core", highlighting the central and most important aspect of the principle.

the underlying principle

Replaces "basic" with "underlying", focusing on the principle that supports or explains something.

the key principle

Changes "basic" to "key", emphasizing the importance of the principle.

the central tenet

Replaces "basic principle" with "central tenet", offering a more formal and emphatic alternative.

the main idea

Simplifies the phrase to convey the primary concept, losing some of the formality.

the essential concept

Highlights the necessity and importance of the concept, slightly shifting the focus.

the primary concept

Emphasizes the fundamental and initial nature of the concept.

the first principle

Focuses on the initial or foundational aspect of the principle.

the elementary principle

Highlights that principle is at an initial, undeveloped, or beginning stage.

FAQs

How can I use "the basic principle" in a sentence?

You can use "the basic principle" to introduce a fundamental concept or rule. For example, "The basic principle of democracy is equality."

What's a good alternative to "the basic principle"?

Consider using alternatives like "the fundamental principle", "the core principle", or "the underlying principle", depending on the context.

How does "the basic principle" differ from "the main principle"?

"The basic principle" refers to a foundational concept, while "the main principle" highlights the most important concept among others. The choice depends on whether you're establishing a foundation or emphasizing a key element.

Is it redundant to say "the basic principle"?

While "principle" often implies a fundamental truth, using "the basic principle" can add emphasis, especially when introducing a concept that might be overlooked or misunderstood. However, be mindful of potential redundancy in specific contexts.