be the principal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be the principal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being asked to take on the role or responsibilities of a principal, such as in a school setting or organization. Example: "In this project, we need someone to be the principal leader to guide the team towards our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perez will be the principal prosecution witness in these trials.

The New York Times - Magazine

Winning back support has got to be the principal obsession.

The Guardian

Dominoes would be the principal entertainment, he said.

The New York Times

So far, Trump appears to be the principal beneficiary.

The New Yorker

He has also said that the prime minister should be the principal architect of foreign policy.

The New York Times

Interest rates were to be the principal method of controlling the money supply.

The Guardian

Ms. Rowling will be the principal speaker at Harvard's general commencement ceremony.

The New York Times

Bishop Egan will be the principal celebrant of both today's vespers service and tomorrow's Mass.

The New York Times

For the next decade, the Tiangong space station is likely to be the principal destination.

The Guardian

Forging one will be the principal test of the formidable skills of the new Administration.

The New Yorker

Meat, aubergines and a wobbly bechamel sauce should be the principal ingredients – but in what combination?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be the principal", ensure the context clearly defines what area or group the subject is principal of. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be the principal" without specifying the domain. For example, saying "She will be the principal" is vague. Instead, clarify: "She will be the principal investigator" or "She will be the principal dancer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be the principal" functions as a predicate nominative or adjective phrase, identifying or describing the subject as the main or most important entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Huffington Post

4%

Chemistry Central Journal

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be the principal" is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify something or someone as the main or most important element, with usage ranging from neutral to formal. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the scope of the subject's role or attribute to avoid ambiguity. Common authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Encyclopedia Britannica. Alternatives like "serve as the head" or "act as the primary" can be used for variety, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be the main

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of being the most important.

serve as the head

Emphasizes the leadership aspect, specifically acting as the head of something.

act as the primary

Focuses on the function of being the main or most important element.

be the lead

A shorter and more informal way to express taking the leading position.

take the leading role

Highlights the action of assuming a prominent and guiding position.

function as the chief

Specifies the role as a chief, emphasizing authority and responsibility.

be the foremost

Indicates being the most advanced or prominent in a particular field or area.

be the central figure

Focuses on the importance and centrality of a person or thing.

operate as the key

Highlights the role of being essential or crucial for a particular outcome.

be in charge

A more direct way of saying someone is responsible for leading.

FAQs

How can I use "be the principal" in a sentence?

The phrase "be the principal" is used to denote the main or primary person, thing, or factor in a given situation. For example, "She will "be the principal speaker" at the conference" or "He will "be the principal investigator" on the project".

What's a more formal way to say "be the principal"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "serve as the head", "act as the primary", or "assume the leading role" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be the principal of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "be the principal of" when referring to a specific area or entity. For example, "He will "be the principal of the school"".

What are some alternatives to "be the principal" that emphasize leadership?

If you want to emphasize leadership, consider using phrases like "take the lead", "be in charge", or "head up" the project or team. Each suggests a guiding and directing role.