the basic tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the basic tenet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental principle or belief that serves as the foundation for a system of thought or behavior. Example: "The basic tenet of our philosophy is that all individuals deserve respect and dignity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's the basic tenet that leads Quakers not to kill.

The New York Times

The basic tenet of Islam is that of peace".

The Guardian

The basic tenet of any investment is buy low, sell high.

The Guardian - Money

"The basic tenet of life in the Heights," he said, "is inertia".

The New York Times

"The basic tenet of a love relationship is that it's intimate," she insists.

The Guardian - Film

The basic tenet is that clubs should not spend beyond what the clubs can bring in through their soccer business.

The New York Times - Sports

I've never come across anyone who has questioned the basic tenet of free at the point of delivery, universally available.

The Guardian

The Obama administration should reject the basic tenet of No Child Left Behind: children are not numbers.

The New York Times

Both activities simply expose the basic tenet of capitalism a little too clearly for comfort — everybody's for sale here.

The Guardian - Sport

Though observance of the Law of Moses remained the basic tenet of Judaism, Kabbala provided a means of approaching God directly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The basic tenet of Latin Averroism was the assertion that reason and philosophy are superior to faith and knowledge founded on faith.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the basic tenet", ensure the subsequent context clearly elucidates what system of thought or behavior the tenet underpins. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid pairing "the basic tenet" with overly abstract or vague nouns. Instead, connect it with concrete systems, principles, or ideologies to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basic tenet" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig confirms its role in identifying a core principle or belief within a system or argument. It introduces the fundamental idea being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the basic tenet" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a fundamental principle or belief. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various formal and neutral contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. It's essential to ensure that the context clarifies the specific system or idea the tenet relates to, avoiding vagueness. When seeking alternatives, consider "the fundamental principle" or "the core belief" to provide similar meanings with slight variations. The phrase's consistent use across reputable sources underscores its reliability and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The fundamental principle

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the principle.

The core belief

Focuses on the element of conviction and acceptance.

The underlying assumption

Highlights the idea as something taken for granted or presupposed.

The central idea

Stresses the main concept around which other ideas revolve.

The key principle

Emphasizes the importance and criticality of the principle.

The basic premise

Similar to tenet, but can also refer to a starting point for an argument.

The foundational concept

Highlights the role of the concept as a base upon which further understanding is built.

The primary doctrine

Implies a more formal or established principle, often in religious or philosophical contexts.

The main element

Focuses on the part that is essential to the whole.

The essential component

Stresses the necessity of the element for the functioning of the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "the basic tenet" to introduce a fundamental principle or belief. For example, "The basic tenet of democracy is the equality of all citizens."

What are some alternatives to "the basic tenet"?

Alternatives include "the fundamental principle", "the core belief", or "the underlying assumption", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "basic fundamental tenet"?

Yes, saying "basic fundamental tenet" is generally considered redundant. The words "basic" and "fundamental" have similar meanings, so using them together is repetitive. It's better to stick with just "the basic tenet" or "the fundamental tenet".

What's the difference between "the basic tenet" and "the central principle"?

"The basic tenet" refers to a foundational belief or doctrine, while "the central principle" refers to the most important or guiding rule. While they can overlap, "the basic tenet" emphasizes the foundational aspect, and "the central principle" emphasizes the guiding aspect.