underlying principle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying principle of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing foundational concepts or beliefs that support a theory, argument, or system. Example: "The underlying principle of democracy is the belief in the equality of all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That kind of customer focus is an underlying principle of Six Sigma".

The New York Times

In democracies the underlying principle of the regulation of interest groups is that it enhances democracy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's an underlying principle of civil law that the state, police and judiciary have the obligation to protect the citizenry from harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite a steady increase in Euroscepticism in France, the underlying principle of free movement of people across the EU remains broadly undisputed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The underlying principle of nuclear deterrence became known as "mutual assured destruction" — meaning that Washington and Moscow each knew it could destroy the other even if the other struck first.

The New York Times

I asked Akram to explain the Palestinian turn toward violence: after all, the underlying principle of the entire peace process was an agreement to retire the gun and the bomb as tools of negotiation.

The New Yorker

He saw the job of helping the government determine who was eligible for benefits as a respectable and important position, and wants to make it clear that he has no ideological dispute with the underlying principle of assessing people.

The Guardian

Entrenched though it is, South Africa's mining industry would have been hard pressed to defy prevailing international practices, so it has focused instead on fighting specific elements of the bill, not its underlying principle of state ownership.

The New York Times

All for less than $40 .3. Aldo Bakker's tableware Unclogging kitchen sinks excepted, an underlying principle of "quietly good design" is that it should make whatever you are doing seem more enjoyable.

The New York Times

Yet it sullies the underlying principle of the refugee convention: that anyone fleeing in fear for their life be taken in on that basis, not pending a whip-round.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lin Hsiu-Wei's "Life of Mandala" derives from the Buddhist belief that continuing and unceasing life is both the underlying principle of nature and the essence of artistic creation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying principle of", ensure that the principle you are referring to is indeed a foundational element upon which a system, theory, or process is based. Avoid using it for secondary or less significant aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying principle of" for aspects that are merely supporting or contributing factors, rather than the core, foundational concept. Doing so can dilute the impact and significance of the actual underlying principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying principle of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental concept or idea. It typically serves as a subject or object complement, clarifying the basis for a theory, system, or process, as shown by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

2%

Science

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "underlying principle of" is a frequently used and grammatically correct term for highlighting a foundational concept, especially in academic, scientific, and professional settings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in "science", "news & media", and "formal & business" contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to a core concept, not a mere supporting detail, and consider alternatives like "foundational concept of" or "basic tenet of" for nuanced variations. This ensures clear, accurate, and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational concept of

Replaces "principle" with concept; focuses on the idea being fundamental.

basic tenet of

Substitutes "principle" with "tenet" emphasizing a belief or doctrine.

core idea of

Uses more common language; "core idea" is less formal than "underlying principle".

fundamental basis of

Replaces "principle" with "basis" putting emphasis on foundation.

essential element of

Shifts from principle to a necessary component or aspect.

key foundation of

Highlights the role as a groundwork.

central concept behind

Focuses on the main idea that explains something.

primary driver of

This moves the meaning toward a cause.

root cause of

Focuses more on the source of a problem.

rationale behind

Emphasizes the logical basis.

FAQs

How can I use "underlying principle of" in a sentence?

The phrase "underlying principle of" is used to introduce a basic idea or rule that something is based on. For example: "The "underlying principle of" democracy is the equality of all citizens."

What are some alternatives to "underlying principle of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "foundational concept of", "basic tenet of", or "core idea of".

Is it better to say "underlying principle" or "fundamental principle"?

Both "underlying principle" and "fundamental principle" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "fundamental principle" might emphasize the basic and indispensable nature of the principle more strongly.

What's the difference between "underlying principle of" and "rationale behind"?

"Underlying principle of" refers to a foundational concept, while "rationale behind" refers to the reasoning or justification for something. The former is a base, the latter is an explanation.