This pair of words has been stumping people forever, and no wonder— they have rather similar meanings, and one of them (principal) has three meanings.
The word principle is always a noun and it is always a thing (not a person). Principle means a standard, basic truth, law or rule. A principle can be theoretical (the osmosis principle) or moral (standing up for your principles).
The word principal is a bit messier.
- As an adjective, it means main or primary: The principal teacher is Mrs Mainman.
- As a noun, it’s usually short for the most powerful person in an organisation: The principal [teacher in a school or director in a company] is Mrs Mainman.
- In legal documents, it’s short for the main person involved in a contract or negotiation.
One way to differentiate between these words:
My pal the principal is the prince of the school.
The 5-hour Certificate in Business Writing has heaps more grammar tips
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