principal
noun / adjective
main; head of a school; original sum of money
“The principal reason for the delay was cost.”
Sound-alikes
principal vs principle
A principle is a rule or belief; principal means main, or the head of a school, or a loan's original sum.
principle
noun
a fundamental truth, rule or belief
“She refused on principle.”
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Drop each word into the blank. The explanation tells you why one works and the other doesn't.
The ______ called my parents.
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Questions about principal vs principle
What is the difference between principal and principle?
A principle is a rule or belief; principal means main, or the head of a school, or a loan's original sum.
How do I remember principal vs principle?
A princiPLE is a ruLE (both end in -le). The princiPAL is your PAL at school.
Are there exceptions?
"Principle" is only ever a noun. If you need an adjective meaning "main", it is always principal.
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