the doctrine of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the doctrine of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal, philosophical, or religious contexts to refer to a set of beliefs or principles that are held and taught by a particular group or institution. Example: "The doctrine of free speech is a fundamental principle in democratic societies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The doctrine of maya was totally rejected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eschatology, the doctrine of the last things.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was reaffirming the doctrine of credibility.

The New Yorker

This was the doctrine of "strict enforcement".

The Economist

It's called the doctrine of silence.

The New York Times

Progress was the doctrine of the age.

The New Yorker

The Doctrine of Signatures.

Harvard University

Call it the doctrine of filial advancement.

The Washington Post

The doctrine of Taqarub... marks the left.

The New York Times

(This is the doctrine of "double effect").

The New York Times - Health

That is the doctrine of causation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a well-established set of beliefs, use "the doctrine of" to clearly signal that you are referring to an official or widely recognized system of thought. For example, "the doctrine of separation of powers".

Common error

Avoid incorrectly attributing the origin of a doctrine. Always verify the historical and intellectual roots of the doctrine to ensure accurate representation. For instance, don't assume a concept is part of "the doctrine of" a specific philosopher without proper evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the doctrine of" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a determiner and noun modifier to introduce and define a specific system of beliefs, principles, or teachings. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is used to frame discussions around established concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

23%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the doctrine of" is a widely used phrase to introduce and define a specific set of beliefs, principles, or teachings. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and predominantly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure accurate attribution and contextual appropriateness. Alternatives such as "the principle of" or "the theory of" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis, depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the principle of

Emphasizes a fundamental rule or belief that guides actions or decisions, slightly less formal.

the tenet of

Highlights a specific belief or principle held as true, implying a more formal or structured system.

the theory of

Focuses on a systematic explanation of phenomena, emphasizing the conceptual framework.

the concept of

Highlights the idea or abstract notion, suitable when discussing understanding or interpretation.

the philosophy of

Denotes a comprehensive system of thought, emphasizing fundamental principles and values.

the school of thought of

Highlights a particular group or tradition that adheres to specific ideas.

the system of

Refers to an organized set of ideas or principles emphasizing structure and interrelation.

the body of beliefs of

Focuses on the collection of ideas held by a group, emphasizing shared understanding.

the ideology of

Highlights the set of beliefs or principles that guide a political or social movement.

the creed of

Emphasizes a formal statement of beliefs or principles, often associated with religious or ethical systems.

FAQs

How can I use "the doctrine of" in a sentence?

You can use "the doctrine of" to refer to established principles or beliefs, such as "The company's ethical guidelines align with "the doctrine of corporate social responsibility"."

What phrases are similar to "the doctrine of"?

Similar phrases include "the principle of", "the tenet of", or "the theory of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the doctrine of" in informal writing?

While "the doctrine of" is more common in formal and academic contexts, it can be used in informal writing if the topic involves established beliefs or principles. Consider your audience and adjust your language accordingly.

What is the difference between "the doctrine of" and "the concept of"?

"The doctrine of" typically refers to a formal or established set of beliefs or principles, while "the concept of" refers to a more general idea or abstract notion. For instance, you might discuss "the doctrine of original sin" or "the concept of justice".