undermine the principle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undermine the principle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that weaken or damage a fundamental belief or rule. Example: "The new policy may inadvertently undermine the principle of fairness that our organization stands for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Division within communities has been pursued by companies to undermine the principle of consent.

The Guardian

Webb said this was unacceptable because it would undermine the principle of Bank of England independence.

The Guardian

The government argues that this would undermine the principle of Israel as a Jewish state.

The New York Times - Books

It could undermine the principle of equal rights proclaimed in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Guardian - Business

Charging for healthcare will fundamentally undermine the principle of health equity that is one of the cornerstones of the NHS.

The Guardian

For any of these countries to seek a safe haven for Qaddafi would seriously undermine the principle of international justice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But his arguments need not undermine the principles of the 19th-century legislation.

The Economist

A greater concentration of wealth could if unchecked even undermine the principles of meritocracy and democracy.

The Guardian - Business

However, critics claim that his plans will remove the safety net for some of the most vulnerable in society and undermine the principles of the welfare state.

Independent

Chakrabarti, the director of Liberty, has been conducting a high-profile campaign against the bill, which she believes will undermine the principles of open justice.

The Guardian

This is a superficially attractive headline policy, however extending means-testing would undermine the principles of the new single-tier state pension.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermine the principle of", ensure that you clearly identify the specific principle being weakened and explain how the action or policy in question leads to this weakening.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine the principle of" without specifying which principle is at risk. Clearly state the principle to ensure your argument is well-defined and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine the principle of" functions as a verb phrase that indicates an action which weakens or erodes a fundamental concept, belief, or rule. It is commonly used to express concern about actions that could damage a core value, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undermine the principle of" is a commonly used expression that signifies the weakening or erosion of a fundamental belief or rule. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. Analysis of various sources indicates that it is frequently employed in contexts such as news, formal business and scientific discussions. Related phrases include "erode the foundation of", "weaken the basis of", and "compromise the integrity of", each offering slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating which principle is being undermined to enhance the strength and impact of your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erode the foundation of

Focuses on gradual destruction rather than direct opposition.

weaken the basis of

Highlights the act of making the underlying support less strong.

compromise the integrity of

Emphasizes damage to the moral soundness and completeness.

subvert the essence of

Suggests an attempt to overthrow or corrupt the core nature.

diminish the value of

Highlights the reduction in worth or importance.

challenge the validity of

Indicates questioning or disputing the legitimacy.

counteract the effect of

Focuses on neutralizing or opposing the intended outcome.

invalidate the concept of

Suggests rendering the idea null and void.

negate the importance of

Highlights the denial of significance or relevance.

undercut the credibility of

Emphasizes the reduction of believability or trustworthiness.

FAQs

How can I use "undermine the principle of" in a sentence?

You can use "undermine the principle of" to describe actions or policies that weaken a fundamental belief or rule. For example, "The new regulations may "undermine the principle of" fairness."

What are some alternatives to "undermine the principle of"?

Alternatives include "erode the foundation of", "weaken the basis of", or "compromise the integrity of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undermine the principle of" or "harm the principle of"?

"Undermine the principle of" suggests a gradual weakening, while "harm the principle of" implies a more direct and immediate negative impact. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to "undermine the principle of" free speech?

To "undermine the principle of" free speech means to take actions that weaken or erode the fundamental right to express one's opinions without censorship or restraint. This can occur through various means, such as imposing overly restrictive regulations or suppressing dissenting voices.