the very principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the very principle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of a given principle or concept. For example: "The very principle of democracy is to give the people a voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would acknowledge the very principle of democratic rule.

The Guardian

The very principle of the European Union will be challenged.

The New York Times

The importance of Warner's report is that he challenges the very principle underpinning the NHS.

The Guardian

Clinton has, in the past, opposed the very principle of a recall.

The Guardian

Doesn't this practice go against the very principle of a democratic process?

The New York Times

It represents nothing less than an assault on the very principle of peaceful protest".

The New York Times

It undermines the very principle of spying, the principle of secrecy, since its goal is to make secrets public.

The Guardian - Opinion

The very principle of a "Jewish state" in this circumstance is altogether contradictory to Israel's claims to be democratic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alongside such specific threats, the EU is engineering treaties that challenge the very principle of parliamentary control of corporations.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it is the very principle gay rights advocates must invoke to overturn cruel laws criminalizing consensual adult homosexual relations.

The New York Times

I genuinely think these were designed, by someone quite brilliant, as a parody of the very principle of gifts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the very principle", ensure the context clearly establishes what principle you are referring to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "very" in your writing, especially with "the very principle". While it can add emphasis, too much repetition dilutes its impact. Instead, explore other ways to strengthen your statements such as using more descriptive language or providing stronger evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very principle" functions as a determiner phrase, emphasizing a specific principle or idea. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and serves to highlight the importance of the concept being discussed. Many examples provided by Ludwig show the use of "the very principle" in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very principle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the importance of a core concept or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse writing contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure clarity and avoid overuse. Related phrases like "the fundamental principle" or "the core principle" can provide variety while maintaining a similar emphasis. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "the very principle" into your writing to highlight essential concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the core principle

Substitutes "very" with "core", emphasizing the essential nature of the principle.

the fundamental principle

Replaces "very" with "fundamental", highlighting the basic and foundational aspect of the principle.

the basic principle

Uses "basic" in place of "very", stressing the elementary nature of the principle.

the key principle

Emphasizes the importance of the principle, using "key" instead of "very".

the foundation

Uses a direct synonym highlighting the foundational aspect of the concept.

the underlying principle

Highlights the principle's role as the base upon which something else is built.

the central tenet

Replaces "principle" with "tenet", shifting the focus to a belief or doctrine.

the essence

Uses a more abstract term to convey the fundamental nature of something.

the heart of the matter

An idiomatic expression that captures the most important aspect.

the bedrock

A metaphorical term suggesting a strong, unshakeable foundation.

FAQs

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

Use "the very principle" to emphasize the core or most fundamental aspect of something. For instance, "The success of this project hinges on "the core principle" of teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "the very principle"?

Alternatives include "the fundamental principle", "the key principle", or "the essence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the very principle of the matter"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "the very principle of the matter" emphasizes the core principle relevant to the situation being discussed.

What is the difference between "the very principle" and "a principle"?

"The very principle" refers to a specific, often pre-established, fundamental idea. "A principle" refers more generally to any rule or belief. The former emphasizes a particular foundational concept, while the latter introduces a general one.