the core principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the core principle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the fundamental idea or belief that underlies a particular concept, theory, or system. Example: "The core principle of our organization is to prioritize sustainability in all our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The core principle was that the polluter should pay.

The New York Times

Proclaiming the core principle should only be the beginning.

The Guardian - Opinion

The core principle of the first founding is individual liberty.

The New Yorker

Clarity has always been the core principle of Mr. Walton's music.

The New York Times - Arts

The individual variations are infinite, but the core principle remains the same.

The Guardian

Democrats should not give in on the core principle of progressivity.

The New York Times

Finally, the Chinese state has successfully harnessed nationalism as the core principle of its ideological legitimation.

The New York Times

The core principle of the new inclusive prosperity commission was "that equality itself is a driving force for economic growth".

The Guardian

But it is still worth pausing to consider the core principle at the heart of the government's changes.

The Guardian

It would mean abandoning the core principle that Hinkley's costs must be kept away from the public debt.

The Guardian - Business

There is, of course, nothing wrong with the core principle highlighted by the supreme court in Horncastle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the core principle", ensure it clearly identifies the most fundamental aspect of the subject being discussed. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context.

Common error

Avoid using "the core principle" as a generic substitute for any important idea. Ensure that the principle you identify is truly the most fundamental and irreducible aspect, not just a significant detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the core principle" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It identifies the most fundamental aspect of a concept or system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the core principle" is a noun phrase used to denote the most fundamental and essential idea underlying a concept or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various domains, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the most crucial element and provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "the fundamental principle" or "the central tenet" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the guiding principle

Adds the adjective "guiding" to further specify that the principle serves as a directional rule.

the fundamental principle

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

the central tenet

Substitutes "principle" with "tenet", highlighting the idea as a key belief or doctrine.

the basic concept

Replaces "principle" with "concept", focusing on the underlying idea or notion.

the key element

Changes "principle" to "element", emphasizing the critical component of something.

the essential idea

Uses "idea" instead of "principle", focusing on the thought or concept that is crucial.

the primary basis

Emphasizes the foundational aspect, using "basis" instead of "principle".

the underlying philosophy

Replaces "principle" with "philosophy", highlighting the set of beliefs or values that support something.

the main foundation

Uses "foundation" to underscore the supporting nature of the principle.

the heart of the matter

This alternative expresses the central and most important aspect of the subject in question.

FAQs

What does "the core principle" mean?

The phrase "the core principle" refers to the most fundamental or essential idea, belief, or tenet that underlies a concept, system, or argument. It represents the foundational element upon which everything else is built.

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

You can use "the core principle" to introduce the most important aspect of a topic. For example, "The core principle of democracy is the sovereignty of the people."

What are some alternatives to "the core principle"?

You can use alternatives like "the fundamental principle", "the central tenet", or "the basic concept" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "the core principle principle"?

Yes, using "principle" twice in that way is redundant. Stick to "the core principle" for clarity and conciseness. You could also consider using a synonym for principle such as, "the central tenet".