time-tested principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time-tested principle" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a concept or idea that has proven effective over a long period. For example, "The time-tested principle of honesty in business builds trust with clients." Alternative expressions include "proven principle" and "established principle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And yet, for some reason, we throw this time-tested principle out the window when we have a baby.

The New Yorker

But even with young upstarts nipping at its Manolos, the periodical that popularized tights and the L.B.D. continues to thrive under its time-tested principle.

The New York Times

The impetus for this important book is a fundamental, time-tested principle: If we understand one another better, we can grow stronger relationships and do more together for the benefit of all.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Remember the time-tested principle of investing: If you feel bullish, hold on to your money; if you feel the world has fallen apart and the markets are in a swoon, invest.

Forbes

To see if their reasoning is based on any time-tested principle of moral or political philosophy, and if they could articulate that principle in a concise but substantive way.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

On the other hand, e-mail, even if it's homely, gets the job done, especially when coupled with time-tested principles of the direct-marketing industry, which boil down to "test, test, test, measure, measure, measure," said H. Robert Wientzen, the chief executive of the Direct Marketing Association.

The New York Times

Lamoriello said he continued to use two time-tested principles to guide his direction of the Devils.

The New York Times - Sports

In these cases, there are no good reasons to disregard the fundamental and time-tested principles that ensure reliable fact determinations.

The Washington Post

3) The HBR Guide to Leading Teams Ebook + Tools offers step-by-step advice, drawing on time-tested principles, and examples from a range of industries and organizational settings.

Harvard Business Review

In this enhanced eBook version of the "HBR Guide to Leading Teams", expert Mary Shapiro offers step-by-step advice, drawing on time-tested principles, and examples from a range of industries and organizational settings.

Harvard Business Review

Market participants who remain faithful to the time-tested principles of careful planning and committed mergers with limited conditionality, and have the vision to see through short-term markets, will continue to create long-term value.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time-tested principle" to add credibility and weight to your argument by emphasizing the long-standing nature and proven reliability of the concept you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid applying "time-tested principle" to newly developed ideas or unproven methods. The phrase implies a history of successful application, so ensure it accurately reflects the concept's background.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time-tested principle" functions as a noun phrase, where "time-tested" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "principle". It characterizes a principle as having a history of successful application and enduring validity as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time-tested principle" is a phrase used to describe a concept or approach that has proven its reliability and effectiveness over a long period. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it is best suited for scenarios where the emphasis is on historical success and trustworthiness. Alternatives like ""established principle"" or ""proven principle"" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established principle

Replaces "time-tested" with "established", focusing on the concept's recognized status.

proven principle

Substitutes "time-tested" with "proven", highlighting the concept's demonstrated effectiveness.

well-established principle

Replaces "time-tested" with "well-established", focusing on the concept's strongly recognized status.

tried-and-true principle

Focuses on the fact that the principle was proven to work by being tested.

long-standing principle

Emphasizes the duration of the principle's validity, similar to "time-tested".

traditional principle

Highlights the concept's origin in established practices, implying reliability.

venerable principle

Conveys respect and age, suggesting the principle is worthy of admiration due to its enduring nature.

enduring principle

Focuses on the principle's lasting quality and continued relevance.

classic principle

Implies the principle is a standard and reliable element.

age-old principle

Highlights the ancient origin and continued validity of the principle.

FAQs

How can I use "time-tested principle" in a sentence?

You can use "time-tested principle" to refer to strategies or ideas that have been proven successful over time. For example, "The company's success is built on the "time-tested principle" of providing excellent customer service".

What are some alternatives to "time-tested principle"?

Some alternatives to "time-tested principle" include "established principle", "proven principle", or "long-standing principle".

Is "time-tested principle" formal or informal?

"Time-tested principle" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for formal writing or discussions where you want to emphasize the reliability and longevity of a concept.

What does "time-tested principle" mean?

"Time-tested principle" refers to a fundamental idea or approach that has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness and validity over an extended period.