You might find some of these slip through too. If other word pairs like lead/led or program/programme get your boxers in a bunch, take a look at these regularly confused words in your marketing copy. How I remember it: Princip le has an ‘ le’ and so does ru le. Adds a touch of chew to the fish finger sarnie. There’s nothing wrong with microwaving frozen food that doesn’t specifically state microwave cooking instructions. It was not.Įxample: She stood by her principles. What is it? A rule, belief, law, theory, standard or fact.Įxample: Concocting sea salt hair spray with sea water, rock salt from the kitchen grinder and a tub of 97p Superdrug hair gel (purple – you know the stuff) seemed an ace idea in principle. Knowing the differences between these is important, while one refers to a guideline and the other one to the person that upholds them in a given institution. How I remember it: They’re the top person so they’re the top pal. The word principal is not only a noun, it can also be used as an adjective. What is it? The most important person in an organisation or rank.Įxample: The school principal accidentally slipped out a squeaker in assembly as she leant over to change the acetate on the overhead projector. How I remember it: Princi pal has a ‘ pa’ and so does paid. What is it? A sum of money invested or lent to someone.Įxample: I know nowt about investments and repaying the principal balance on a loan, so let’s skim on past that. How I remember it: Princip al has an ‘ a’, which is first in the alphabet. What is it? The first, main or most important thing.Įxample: My principal concern is that the mozzarella sticks will have all been scoffed before I reach the front of the buffet queue. There are three meanings here, adding to the bafflement. If you’re after a way to remember the difference between these confusables, here are the mnemonics I use myself… Principal You should therefore be able to work out the correct term from the context.Is it principle? Or is it principal? And has overthinking them got your headhole in a pickle? But telling the noun forms of these words apart can be tricky! Our advice is to remember that a “principal” is usually a person, whereas a “principle” is a rule or belief. With these terms, if you are looking for an adjective, it will always be “principal” that you need. You won’t need to know technical definitions like this to use this term on a day-to-day basis, but it is worth looking out for unusual usages! Principle or Principal?
As a legal term, for example, it refers to the person directly responsible for a crime. The noun form of “principal” also has some less common meanings. The new principal addressed the students at assembly. When used like this, it usually refers to the person in charge of a school: In these cases, “principal” works as a synonym for “main” or “most important.” My principal reason for taking the job was the salary. Petroleum is the principal export of Saudi Arabia. When used like this, it means “first in order of importance.” For example: “Principal” is most often an adjective (i.e., a word that describes a noun). Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Principal (First or Most Important) Here, saying “in principle” means “in theory” or “as an idea,” but this is contrasted with concerns about how the “principle” will be applied in real life. I’m in favor of the new law in principle, but it could cause problems. In addition, sometimes “principle” is used in contrast to practice. I am kind to animals as a matter of principle. Principle is a rule or law and can be used in a synonymous manner to explain moral beliefs or understanding. It also is an adjective to highlight the importance of something that is first. You’ll find principles for almost everything.Ī similar use of “principle” is to refer to a “moral standard,” such as if we say: Principal (remember, your principal is your pal) is a noun that describes a person in a position of authority or that comes first. The first sentence above refers to established scientific laws. Time travel would violate the principles of modern science.ĭemocracy works on the principle of one person, one vote. Typically, it refers to an idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens. “Principle” is always a noun (i.e., a naming word).
#Principle or principal how to#
Don’t worry, though! You can follow our advice on how to use “principle” and “principal” correctly to make sure your work is error free. However, there is an important difference between these words. In addition, neither word is very common in everyday language, so it can be hard to remember what each term means. “Principle” and “principal” sound and look very much alike.
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