vital principle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vital principle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or essential concept that is crucial to a particular subject or argument. Example: "The vital principle of sustainability must guide our decisions in environmental policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's a vital principle to uphold here.

The Guardian

The DF's vital principle, the hard everyday hustle all around you.

The Guardian

Lélek, (Hungarian: "soul") in Finno-Ugric religion, the vital principle of the human body.

Britannica

It celebrates a vital principle, but it is lacking in rites and ritual.

The New York Times

It is "the blood and the fuel, the vital principle" of the world.

The New York Times - Books

For them he was plainly a vital principle, a dancer and romancer, a seducer of men and women.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Many failed democracies can testify that these are vital principles to hold on to.

The Washington Post

The European colonists who settled the country brought with them the "vital principles of Teutonic liberty".

Encyclopedia Britannica

What this activity demonstrates, I am assured, is the vital principles of improvisation.

Independent

There are many vital principles at stake, but none is more important than the power of Congress itself.

The New York Times

All of the other vital principles, including cell division and heredity, are underwritten by a cell's unique ability to extract energy from its environment and use it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vital principle", ensure the context clearly establishes why the principle is fundamental and essential to the argument or subject matter.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "vital principle" to describe minor aspects. Reserve it for truly foundational elements to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vital principle" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a core concept, belief, or rule that is essential for a particular system, organization, or individual. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various domains, confirming its role in highlighting fundamental aspects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vital principle" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the fundamental importance of a concept or rule. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, shows that it frequently appears in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives such as "essential principle" or "fundamental principle" exist, "vital principle" specifically underscores the necessity for life or proper function. When using this phrase, ensure that the principle is genuinely foundational and avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential principle

Replaces "vital" with "essential", indicating something indispensable or necessary.

fundamental principle

Substitutes "vital" with "fundamental", highlighting the foundational nature of the principle.

core tenet

Uses "core tenet" instead of "vital principle", suggesting a central belief or doctrine.

key principle

Replaces "vital" with "key", emphasizing importance and significance.

basic principle

Substitutes "vital" with "basic", underscoring the elementary nature of the principle.

underlying principle

Highlights the foundational and less obvious, yet crucial, aspect of the principle.

cardinal principle

Emphasizes the principle's importance as a guiding rule.

central concept

Shifts focus from a guiding rule to a main idea or notion.

guiding principle

Highlights the role of the principle as a source of direction.

foundational concept

Focuses on the principle's role in establishing a base for further development.

FAQs

How can I use "vital principle" in a sentence?

You can use "vital principle" to emphasize the fundamental importance of a concept or belief. For example: "Upholding the rule of law is a "vital principle" for a functioning democracy."

What's a good alternative to "vital principle"?

Alternatives include "essential principle", "fundamental principle", or "core tenet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "vital principle"?

While both words emphasize importance, "vital" underscores necessity for life or function, while "principle" denotes a fundamental truth or proposition. Together, "vital principle" highlights an idea that is fundamentally necessary.

In what contexts is "vital principle" most appropriate?

"Vital principle" is well-suited for formal writing and discussions where emphasizing the critical importance of a guiding idea is necessary. It's frequently found in academic, legal, and ethical contexts.