Learning English can be tricky with words that sound alike but have different meanings. “Principal” and “principle” are examples of such confusing pairs. Perhaps you’ve wondered how to use each word correctly. Let’s clear that confusion once and for all!
Principle and principal are often confused but have distinct meanings. Principle refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. For example, one common principle in many cultures is treating others as you want to be treated.
On the other hand, principal mainly refers to the most important or first in order of importance. It can be used to describe a person, like the principal of a school, or a thing, such as the principal amount in a loan (the original sum borrowed). When talking about money, the principal is the main part of the loan you need to pay back, excluding the interest.
Understanding “Principal”
The word “principal” can be an adjective or a noun, and it is popular in everyday language, especially in schools.
As an adjective, “principal” means ‘main’ or ‘most important’. Think about a school principal. Why call them the “principal”? Because they are the main person in charge. This usage can extend to other contexts too. For example, in a play, the main actors are often referred to as the principal actors.
Let’s use it in sentences:
- The principal reason we stopped playing was the heavy rain.
- Her principal concern was the lack of resources.
As a noun, “principal” generally refers to a person who is in a leading or high position. The most common example is the head of a school, but it can apply in other fields like business, where it refers to a company or person that owns a significant portion of an investment.
Here are examples:
- The principal of our school is attending a conference next week.
- In the meeting, we discussed issues with the principals of the investing firm.
Understanding “Principle”
The word “principle” is always a noun. Think of it as a fundamental truth, a rule, or a belief that forms the foundation for other beliefs or behaviors.
Here’s how you might see “principle” used:
- She was unwilling to compromise her principles.
- The principle of equality is fundamental to democracy.
Ever heard the phrase “on principle”? It means ‘according to or because of one’s stated beliefs or rules.’
Example:
- He refused the offer on principle.
Comparing Examples to Deepen Understanding
Imagine there’s a main road in your town. Would you call it a principal or a principle road? Since it’s the main road, you should call it the principal road.
What if someone asked you why honesty is important? You’d likely mention that it’s a basic moral principle: an underlying rule that guides behavior.
Why Does Mixing up “Principal” and “Principle” Matter?
If you use “principal” instead of “principle,” or vice versa, your sentence can convey a completely different meaning than intended. This can cause confusion.
For instance, saying “He’s a man of principles” suggests he operates based on a set of beliefs. Saying “He’s a man of principals” incorrectly suggests he’s made up of school leaders!
Getting these words right not only helps in avoiding misunderstandings but also sharpens your English communication skills.
Simple Tricks to Remember
A simple way to keep these words straight is to remember that “principle” has an “le” at the end, like in “rule,” which is what a principle essentially is.
For “principal,” think of the “pal” in “principal”. Your school principal might be your ‘pal’, or a friendly authority figure in school. Or remember that “principal” is always the “principal” actor, meaning the main actor.Practice Makes Perfect
Here’s a tip: the best way to learn how to use “principal” and “principle” properly is to keep practicing. Try writing your own sentences.
You could start by describing rules (principles) that are important in your family or explaining why the main street (the principal street) in your city is significant.
The more you practice, the easier it will be to remember and use these words correctly. Keep at it, and soon it will feel natural to choose the right word every time.
Hopefully, this guide has helped clarify the difference between “principal” and “prionciple.” Why not go ahead and demonstrate your understanding by using both in a sentence today?
