Principal Vs Principle

It is quite common to mix up principal and principle in speech and writing. These two terms have shared roots that is why people get confused in principal vs principle. Their roots lie in the Latin language and they look alike and also sound almost the same. However, their meanings are purposes are different. It is common to get confused between them because their pronunciation is almost identical. Consequently, this article will help you learn the differences between these terms. It will allow you to use it more efficiently so that there is no mistake when you incorporate it in any sentence.

First of all, the principal is an adjective. The meaning of this term is the main or most important. For instance, New Delhi is one of the principal cities in India. Thus, you see how we are stating the importance of New Delhi as a city in the country of India. On the other hand, the principle is a noun which means the fundamental basis of a system of belief or thought. For instance, voting is the most essential principle in modern democracy. Let us study further about principal vs principle to understand the difference better.

Difference between Principal Vs Principle

One of the most important ways of remembering the differences between principal vs principle is the last three letters of each of these terms. The first one has ‘pal’ at the end which refers to a friend. Thus, a principal can be your friend but a principle cannot.

Why? Because principle refers to truths, rules or standards. So, how can you be friends with it? Similarly, you can also remember the learning technique of ‘the principal has her principles.’ So, it means the person has a set of beliefs.

Most importantly, the principal is a noun and adjective while the principle is only a noun. Further, the principal has specialized meanings in finance and law and we use it to refer to someone in a position of authority. Whereas, the principle is a natural, legal rule or standard.

When/How to Use Principal

We can use the principal as an adjective and a noun. When we use it as an adjective, it will have two major meanings. The first one being, a principal engineer and the second one being a principal amount of money.

Further, when we make use of the principal as a noun, it will also have a couple of meanings. For instance, the principal of the convent school. Secondly, when we look at the world of business, it will be something like the financial principal, John Doe.

Let us take a look at the incorrect and correct use of principal vs principle to understand it better:

Incorrect: The principle of our high school is a nun.

Correct: The principal of our high school is a nun.

When/How to Use Principle

The most important thing to remember is that principle is a term which we always use as a noun and it has various meanings. The first one being the fundamental truth upon which we form systems of beliefs and morals like ‘in practice but not in principle’.

Secondly, when it is a guiding rule that explains the functioning of something, like, scientific or business principles. Finally, as a scientific rule of law, like, the principle of gravity.

Let us take a look at the incorrect and correct use of principal vs principle to understand it better:

Incorrect: You are a man of principal.

Correct: You are a man of principle.

Examples of Principal – Using Principal in a Sentence

To understand the difference between principal vs principle, it is important to take a look at some examples. These examples will help you get a clearer picture of how to make use of this term correctly:

• Car and truck exhaust is the principal cause of air pollution.
• Kenny was overwhelmed to learn that he would become the band’s principal guitarist.
• Our principal, Sister Christie, congratulated the students for making the annual function a success.
• We’re sorry to inform you but the principal investment is not exempt from tax relief.
• New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata are the principal cities of India.

Examples of Principle – Using Principle in a Sentence

It is important to learn through examples to truly understand the correct use of the principle. Thus, we have compiled a list of examples which will help in clearing up all the doubts you have regarding the use of this term.

• The three most important principles he lived by were being honest, hardworking and helpful in life.
• I find the principles of all religions hard to believe
• The opportunity to get an education must be one of the fundamental principles guiding human rights law.
• All car engines work on a similar set of principles.
• He was a man with no principles who could shed his beliefs at the drop of a hat.