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
the principal qualification
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"the principal qualification" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the most important requirement or criterion for a position, role, or task. An example is: "The principal qualification for this job is a master's degree in the relevant field." Alternative expressions include "the main requirement" and "the key qualification."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
the key requirement
the leading factor
what is required
what is desired
what is suitable
the only solution
what is needed
what is need
the main priority
what is useful
what is applicable
the essential thing
what was necessary
what is adequate
the crucial factor
what is necessary
what must be done
the indispensable action
the essential step
the primary reason
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
1 human-written examples
The principal qualification is the ability to apply their skills to raise standards, whether it is in teaching and learning or support services, according to Bryan Stephenson, director of the teaching school.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
One of the principal qualifications for bohemianism is never having two centimes to rub together; and, given that the design budget doesn't extend beyond a few belle époque baubles and bentwood chairs, the concept, directed and devised by Annabel Arden and Rosalind Parker, looks suspiciously like an attempt to put together an evening's entertainment on the cheap.
News & Media
Moderated by Martha Raddatz, an ex-NPR reporter and the Alphabet network's pretty-boy anchor David Muir, whose principal qualification for the job seems to have been his jawline, the two debate hosts utterly bungled the debate's open by leaving Dr. Ben Carson stranded in a kind of Twilight Zone at the edge of the stage while other candidates were announced and breezed past him to their lecterns.
News & Media
The Education Ministry also announced that government will assist eligible non-profit kindergartens to meet the stipulated teacher and principal qualification requirements through an annual recurrent grant (Ministry of Education, 2001).
A principal qualification for the work was a willingness to have dinner at school, Mr. White said.
News & Media
The evaluation of our approach reveals its principal qualification.
Besides her name, Ms Kennedy's principal qualification appears to be her friendship with Mr Obama.
News & Media
What's more, the real story of Trump's first 100 days has been all the positions left unfilled (primarily deputy staff at Cabinet agencies) and the massive number of tasks foisted upon Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, whose principal qualification seems to be that he can never be fired.
News & Media
However, the principal investigator has a dual qualification in general medicine and public health and operated independently from the patient commissioner and other stakeholders.
Science
IRBs can advise researchers on how to modify their projects to balance the risks and benefits, evaluate the qualifications of the principal investigators and ensure that proposed projects are within the researcher's realm of expertise, and ensure that there are no conflicts of interest [ 45].
Fortunately, in this case, the principal trainer had postgraduate business management qualifications in addition to his medical education.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "the principal qualification", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what that qualification entails. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid confusing "principal", meaning main or most important, with "principle", meaning a fundamental truth or proposition. "The principal qualification" refers to the key requirement, not a guiding belief.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the principal qualification" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important requirement or criterion for something, such as a job, task, or role. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
32%
Science
32%
Wiki
14%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "the principal qualification" is a noun phrase used to denote the most important requirement for a position, task, or role. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, though its frequency is relatively rare. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly define what the qualification entails to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include confusing "principal" with "principle". Related phrases include "the key requirement" and "the main prerequisite". While the phrase appears in news, scientific and wiki sources, its professional tone makes it suitable for formal communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the key requirement
Replaces "principal" with "key", emphasizing the importance of the requirement.
the main prerequisite
Substitutes both "principal" and "qualification" to highlight a necessary condition.
the essential criterion
Emphasizes the critical standard by which something is judged.
the core competency
Focuses on the essential ability needed for a role or task.
the fundamental skill
Highlights the most important skill necessary.
the basic necessity
Stresses the fundamental element that is indispensable.
the primary attribute
Shifts focus to a quality or characteristic of utmost importance.
the chief capability
Highlights the most important ability or power.
the leading factor
Emphasizes the element that most influences an outcome.
the overriding aspect
Highlights a characteristic that takes precedence over others.
FAQs
How can I use "the principal qualification" in a sentence?
You can use "the principal qualification" to highlight the most important requirement for a role, task, or position. For example, "The principal qualification for this role is experience in project management."
What's a good alternative to "the principal qualification"?
Alternatives include "the key requirement", "the main prerequisite", or "the essential criterion".
Is it correct to say "the principle qualification"?
No, it is incorrect. The correct phrase is "the principal qualification". "Principal" refers to the most important thing, while "principle" refers to a fundamental truth or belief.
How does "the principal qualification" differ from "additional qualifications"?
"The principal qualification" refers to the single most important requirement. "Additional qualifications" refer to other desirable, but not necessarily essential, skills or experiences.
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
82%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested