principal items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or significant items in a list or discussion. Example: "The report highlighted the principal items that need to be addressed in the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The principal items that are traded on the traditional market days are pottery, leather goods, foodstuffs, and woolen textiles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the principal items moved on the route are petroleum and its products, industrial chemicals, pipe and other supplies for the oil fields, and sulfur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New Yorker, May 20 , 1944P. 19 The children at a progressive school made maps of South American countries on which the principal items of export were indicated by real coffee, grains, etc., pasted right on the map.

The New Yorker

Textiles and footwear are the principal items manufactured, followed by such items as metal products, food and beverages, paper and printing, wood and furniture, machinery, chemicals and petroleum, leather and rubber, and electrical goods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By J. Bacon and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, May 20 , 1944P. 19 The children at a progressive school made maps of South American countries on which the principal items of export were indicated by real coffee, grains, etc., pasted right on the map.

The New Yorker

Symptoms commonly associated with MF were recorded, including principal items from the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) [ 16].

Cancer Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Judicial nominations were a principal item in a letter sent to President Bush earlier this month by the Leadership Conference.

The New York Times

The defense industry is the principal item in the state's economy-one out of 7 residents is a US military man or a military dependent.

The New Yorker

Dealing with the fiscal cliff will undoubtedly be the principal item of business when Congress returns for a lame-duck session.

The New York Times

In Iceland, extreme cold is usual until May, yet sheep are among their biggest industries and a principal item of diet – basically because the farmers keep them in cozy wooden sheds for about half the year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tomorrow the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency will meet, and the principal item on the agenda will be, as it has been for the last year, Iran's nuclear program.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal items", ensure it's clear what context you're establishing priority within. For example, specify "the principal items on the agenda" or "the principal items in the budget".

Common error

Avoid the common error of using "principle items" instead of "principal items". "Principal" refers to the most important or main items, while "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal items" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes the most important or significant items within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal items" effectively spotlights the most significant elements within a given context, according to Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and, while not overly common, finds its place in encyclopedic entries, scientific discourse, and news reporting. Key to its correct usage is the avoidance of confusion with "principle", and clarity in specifying the context where these items hold priority. Consider alternatives like "chief elements" or "key elements" for varied expression. All in all, this phrase serves as a useful tool to point out key details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief elements

Replaces "principal" with "chief", emphasizing the importance of the elements.

main components

Substitutes "items" with "components", suitable when referring to parts of a larger system.

key elements

Uses "key" instead of "principal", indicating essential elements.

primary components

Swaps "principal" for "primary", highlighting the foundational nature of the components.

essential elements

Replaces both words with synonyms emphasizing necessity.

significant items

Emphasizes the importance of the items.

major elements

Indicates elements of great size or importance.

core items

Implies items at the very center or foundation.

leading items

Suggests items that are at the forefront or most prominent.

critical elements

Highlights the crucial nature of these elements.

FAQs

How can I use "principal items" in a sentence?

You can use "principal items" to refer to the most important or significant items in a list or discussion. For example: "The report highlighted the principal items that need to be addressed in the upcoming meeting."

What are some alternatives to "principal items"?

Alternatives include "chief elements", "main components", or "key elements" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "principle items" instead of "principal items"?

No, "principle items" is incorrect. "Principal" refers to importance, while "principle" refers to a fundamental rule or belief.

What's the difference between "principal items" and "primary items"?

"Principal items" denotes the most important items, while "primary items" suggests the items that come first or are foundational. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing importance or sequence/foundation.