Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
principal sensor
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "principal sensor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the main or most important sensor in a system or device. Example: "The principal sensor in the robotic arm is responsible for detecting obstacles in its path."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
This paper presents an aircraft attitude and heading estimator using catadioptric images as a principal sensor for UAV or as a redundant system for IMU Inertial Measure Unitt) and gyro sensors.
In this sense, since RIG-1 has been shown to be essential for VSV recognition [27], [28], and MAD-5 is the principal sensor for transfected poly-IC [28], [29], these results suggest a role of Rb downstream of RIG-1 in the pathway leading to IFN response.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Toll-like receptors are principal sensors of the innate immune system.
Science
These results collectively suggest that FGFR3 and FGFR1 are the principal sensors of FGF ligands in articular chondrocytes.
Of the 13 mammalian TLR members identified to date, endosomally located TLR3, TLR7 and TLR8 have been characterized as principal sensors of RNA viruses, while other TLRs are responsible for detecting bacteria, fungi, and DNA viruses (Alexopoulou et al. 2001; Diebold et al. 2004).
Science
Fig. 4 Star sensor (principal planes H &H') makes the image of a star location somewhere in celestial sphere.
However, the mechanism by which synaptic vesicle fusion is coupled to calcium has been unclear, despite the identification of both the core fusion machinery [soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachmeN-ethylmaleimide sensitive)] and the principal calcium sensor (synaptotagmin).
Science & Research
Mitochondria are considered as the principal oxygen sensor of the cell, as one of their main roles is adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) production via oxidative phosphorylation, which requires O2 as the final acceptor of the electron transfer.
Science
The principal system components—sensor, DiAs, and insulin pump were reasonably reliable, with 0.03, 0.09, and 0.12 malfunction events necessitating device replacement per 24 h, respectively.
Science
The activity of the transporters responsible for bile formation is regulated by the principal bile acid sensor FXR (NR1H4), and functional variation of this receptor has been identified in ICP (37).
When such a small number of known activity locations are considered, projecting the MAR model from sensor principal component space to these locations and using PDC as causality metric, correctly recovers the causality information between different pairs.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "principal sensor" when you want to highlight that a specific sensor has the most important sensing role, compared to auxiliary or redundant sensors.
Common error
Avoid using "principal sensor" when a simpler term like "main sensor" or "primary sensor" suffices. "Principal" can sometimes sound overly formal in everyday contexts.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "principal sensor" functions as a noun phrase, where "principal" modifies the noun "sensor". As indicated by Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies the main sensing component within a system.
Frequent in
Science
67%
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
33%
News & Media
0%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The term "principal sensor" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, typically found in scientific and technical contexts to denote the most important sensor in a system. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While less common than alternatives like "primary sensor" or "main sensor", it effectively highlights the sensor's leading role. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse in simple contexts where more common terms suffice. Its primary function is to precisely identify a key component, as showcased in examples from scientific literature and robotics. It is most frequently encountered in the Science domain.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
primary sensor
Changes "principal" to "primary", emphasizing the sensor's main role.
main sensor
Substitutes "principal" with "main", indicating the sensor's key function.
key sensor
Replaces "principal" with "key", highlighting the sensor's importance.
central sensor
Uses "central" instead of "principal", focusing on the sensor's core position or function.
leading sensor
Changes "principal" to "leading", suggesting the sensor's prominent role.
chief sensor
Replaces "principal" with "chief", emphasizing the sensor's superior status.
essential sensor
Substitutes "principal" with "essential", indicating the sensor's necessary function.
critical sensor
Changes "principal" to "critical", highlighting the sensor's vital role.
primary sensing element
Expands "sensor" to "sensing element", providing a more technical description.
main sensing device
Uses "sensing device" instead of "sensor", offering a more general term.
FAQs
What does "principal sensor" mean?
The term "principal sensor" refers to the main or most important sensor in a system, device, or process. It's the sensor that provides the primary data for a particular function.
What can I say instead of "principal sensor"?
You can use alternatives like "primary sensor", "main sensor", or "key sensor" depending on the context.
Is "principal sensor" different from "primary sensor"?
While similar, "principal sensor" emphasizes the sensor's leading role or importance, whereas "primary sensor" simply indicates the sensor that is first or foremost.
How can I use "principal sensor" in a sentence?
For example, "This paper presents an aircraft attitude and heading estimator using catadioptric images as a "principal sensor" for UAV or as a redundant system for IMU."
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested