principal
adjective and nounmain or most important; the head of a school
The principal is your pal, and the main person.
Principal vs principle
They sound identical, so think about the job: main thing or guiding rule?
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
Principal means main, or the head of a school. A principle is a basic rule or belief.
principle
nouna basic rule or belief that guides your behaviour
Principle ends in -le, like rule.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| principal | adjective and noun | main or most important; the head of a school | The principal reason for the delay was the weather. | |
| principle | noun | a basic rule or belief that guides your behaviour | He refuses to lie, on principle. |
See each one in a sentence
adjective and noun
principal
Examples
The principal reason for the delay was the weather.
She was appointed principal of the school.
Common mistake
Not: The principle reason I called is to say thank you.
Say: The principal reason I called is to say thank you.
The main reason is the principal reason.
noun
principle
Examples
He refuses to lie, on principle.
Fairness is a basic principle of the law.
Common mistake
Not: It's against my principals to lie.
Say: It's against my principles to lie.
A rule or belief is a principle.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.