PrinciPLEs are rules or standards and they cannot be your pal. You can remember the differences between these two words by remembering that princiPALs are people and they are your pals. Principle is only a noun and refers to a natural, moral, legal rule or standard.
Principal is a noun and adjective with specialized meanings in finance and law but most commonly used to refer to someone in a position of authority or high prominence. These two words have very different meanings, so when selecting principle or principal to include in your sentence, be sure it’s the correct choice. You can also remember the mnemonic, “The principal has his principles.”Īnother good mnemonic is, “The principal rule is that you stand by your principles and next to your principal.” A truth or standard cannot be your “pal.” Someone who is a “princi-P-A-L” should be looked at as your “pal.” Only people can be “pals” and principal refers to people, whereas “princi-P-L-E” refers to truths, rules, or standards. Remember the DifferenceĪ great way to remember the differences between principle versus principal is found in the last three letters of each word. As a matter of principle, I must take a stand.Īll three of these popular phrases use the word “principle” exclusively.There are a few popular phrases that use the word “principle,” so while using these phrases, be sure not to accidentally use “principal.” This page has example sentences to explain the difference between principal and principle.
#PRINCIPLE VERSUS PRINCIPAL DEFINITION CODE#
Principle is a general law or a code of conduct. It is also the original sum of money or assets invested or lent.
In principle, refers to something in its fundamentals without all the details worked out: principal, on the other hand, is the person with highest authority in the group, such as school principal or principal investor in a company. It might also be the original source of something. A principal is the head of a school or a department. The principle is fundamental or general truth. The principle of free speech is something that Americans take for granted. Principal and principle are easy to confuse.