principal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "principal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "primary" or "most important." You can use the word "principal" to emphasize the importance of something in a sentence. For example, "The principal aim of this project is to make the world a better place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Committee will maintain its existing policy of reinvesting principal payments from its securities holdings.

The New York Times

On the other hand, ever since the euro crisis, Merkel's principal goal is to immunise Europe's economic union against further currency shocks.

The Guardian

In Sicily, a principal transit point for Italy, cash-strapped local authorities have struggled to offer even the most modest shelter.

The Guardian

The preparations by the "golden triangle" – cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood, the Queen's private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, and the prime minister's principal private secretary, Chris Martin – show how discreet work is underway as Whitehall gears up for a second successive hung parliament, which could prove still more complicated than the last one.

The Guardian

The decision means that the Queen, who appeared alongside her father George VI and Winston Churchill on the balcony of Buckingham palace on VE Day in 1945, will miss the principal anniversary events in London during the weekend after the election and into the following week.

The Guardian

Related: Charles Kennedy, former leader of Liberal Democrats, dies aged 55 He was defined politically by the Iraq war as much as any other event, just as it defined its principal protagonists, Bush and Blair.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to the book's principal character, Oskar Matzerath, "there is no such thing as a part-time partisan.

The Guardian - Opinion

News that Jonathan Nott - who has transformed the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra in the 15 years he's been its principal conductor - is to start a new job with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva in 2017 (his contract ends in Bamberg next year), brings with it the coincidence of a planned new hall for the Swiss orchestra, replacing the Suisse Romande's current home, the Victoria Hall.

The Guardian - Music

Raising such sums in current circumstances is recognised as the principal challenge by the academics, led by Prof Andy Gouldson of the University of Leeds which collaborates in the Centre for Low Carbon Futures with the universities of York (co-authors of the report), Hull and Sheffield.

The Guardian

Rachel Andrew, principal clinical psychologist, children and young people's mental health, East Lancashire When I started in the NHS I thought it was inconceivable that I would ever leave, but I certainly don't feel like that any more.

The Guardian

They played a raunchy set of old Shadows of Knight, Bo Diddley, Stones and Count Five songs, but were short lived: "We were banned after one assembly by the principal," recalls Tommy, "'cause some people got hurt by Johnny's guitar".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principal" to denote the most important element or person in a given context. For instance, "The "principal" reason for the project's success was diligent planning."

Common error

Avoid using "principal" when you mean "principle," which refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. For example, use "principle" in "adhering to ethical principles" rather than "adhering to ethical principals."

Linguistic Context

The word "principal" functions primarily as an adjective to denote the most important or main element. It can also serve as a noun, referring to the chief administrator of a school or the original sum of money in a financial context, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "principal" is a versatile term used both as an adjective and a noun, signifying the most important element or the head of an institution. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Context heavily influences its register, ranging from formal in scientific and business domains to neutral in news media. When aiming for clarity, remember that alternatives like "main", "chief", and "primary" can also be used. Remember to distinguish "principal" from "principle", as misuse constitutes a common error. Therefore, ensure that the use of "principal" aligns with the intended meaning of 'most important' or to define a role/quantity, maintaining precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main

Focuses on the primary aspect or element.

chief

Emphasizes the highest rank or authority.

primary

Highlights the fundamental or initial nature.

leading

Suggests a position of guidance or direction.

foremost

Indicates being at the front or most important.

key

Highlights the crucial or essential aspect.

central

Emphasizes the core or pivotal role.

paramount

Stresses the supreme or highest importance.

dominant

Indicates the most influential or powerful factor.

major

Suggests a significant or substantial element.

FAQs

How to use "principal" in a sentence?

You can use "principal" as an adjective to describe something of primary importance, such as, "The "principal" goal is to increase sales." It can also be a noun, referring to the head of a school or a sum of money.

What's the difference between "principal" and "principle"?

"Principal" refers to the most important thing or person, or the original sum of money in a loan. "Principle" refers to a fundamental belief or rule.

What can I say instead of "principal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "main", "chief", or "primary".

Is "principal" a formal word?

"Principal" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific meaning. When referring to the head of a school, it's common in everyday language. In business or finance, it maintains a formal tone.