principal article

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal article" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important article in a publication, document, or discussion. Example: "The principal article in the journal discusses the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This principal article for demonstrating high percentage biomass co-gasification in large scale IGCC power plants, presents the obtained experimental results with a detailed and validated steady state thermodynamic model developed as an aid to assess future plant operations.

Applied Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The principal articles made are sashes, carrying bags, and wool blankets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the principal articles, notably those on medical subjects, extended to more than 100 pages each.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The last volume contained the atlas, the index (which also served as gazetteer to the atlas), and the list of all contributors, together with their principal articles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fig was one of the principal articles of sustenance among the Greeks; the Spartans especially used it at their public tables.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principal articles discussing the historical and cultural development of the continent include history of Europe; European exploration; Western colonialism; Aegean civilizations; ancient Greek civilization; ancient Rome; Byzantine Empire; and Holy Roman Empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also wrote the Principal Articles of the Religion, the first guidebook to Roman Catholicism written in Korean; it contributed toward the spread of the Korean alphabet, which had been generally neglected in favour of Chinese.

Encyclopedia Britannica

4. It will take the necessary steps to select those commodities which form the prime necessaries of life, or, from habit, have become the principal articles of consumption, the produce of, and imported from, foreign states, subjecting them to a duty of 20 per cent.

The Economist

He argued that the Bible puts its message into the language of the common people "lest the shallow minds of the common people should become confused, obstinate, and contumacious [stubbornly disobedient] in yielding assent to the principal articles that are absolutely matters of faith".

Huffington Post

The main article recounts the principal and distinctive claims of Aristotle's psychology, avoiding so far as possible exegetical controversy and critical commentary.

SEP

In "Biology Teacher at Bronx Science Is New Principal" (news article, July 13), you quote an anonymous teacher who denigrated Valerie Reidy, the newly appointed principal of the Bronx High School of Science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "main article" or "key article" for a more common and accessible tone, especially in less formal writing.

Common error

Ensure you're using "principal" (meaning main or most important) and not "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition). For example, "The principal article discusses key findings" is correct, while "The principle article discusses key findings" is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal article" functions as a noun phrase, where "principal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "article". According to Ludwig AI, it describes the main or most important article within a set.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

28%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principal article" is a grammatically sound and usable term, albeit relatively infrequent. As Ludwig AI describes, it refers to the main or most important article. It's most commonly found in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related sources, indicating a formal or neutral register. While "principal article" effectively highlights the primary source of information, remember to differentiate "principal" from "principle". For more common alternatives, consider using "main article" or "key article".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main article

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the article's primary importance.

primary article

Similar to "main article", stressing the article's fundamental nature.

key article

Highlights the article's significance as essential reading.

major article

Highlights the article's significant scope or impact.

leading article

Emphasizes the article's position as a prominent piece.

chief article

Indicates the article is the most important or prominent.

central article

Focuses on the article being a core or essential component.

core article

Suggests that the article is fundamental and indispensable.

featured article

This suggests the article has been selected for special attention.

seminal article

Implies the article is highly influential and groundbreaking.

FAQs

What does "principal article" mean?

The term "principal article" refers to the main or most important article in a publication, series, or collection of articles. It is the primary source of information on a particular topic.

When is it appropriate to use "principal article"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, and reports where you want to highlight the significance of a specific article. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "main article" or "key article" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "principal article"?

Some alternatives include "main article", "key article", "leading article", or "primary article". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "principal article" different from "seminal article"?

Yes, while both terms refer to important articles, "seminal article" implies a groundbreaking and highly influential work that has significantly shaped the field. The term "principal article" simply denotes the main or most important one, not necessarily the most innovative. The alternative "seminal article" implies the article is highly influential and groundbreaking.