Diction: Principal and

Principle

From the UWF Writing Lab’s 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series

Mini-Lesson #58

Noun◦ Head or chief person

The principal led the children in the singing of the alma mater.

◦ A sum of money owed on which interest is owed The principal versus the interest on the mortgage

Adjective◦ Main or most important

The principal causes of the accident The principal reason for my attending this school

is the low cost of classes.

Principal is both a noun and an adjective.

A moral standard Rule Axiom Basic Truth A natural law Value

◦ We uphold the principle that all persons are created equal.

Principle is only a noun.

Her principal reasons for confessing were her principles of right and wrong.

The principal difficulty in our department is finding enough employees to do the job well.

The police officer is a principal witness.

Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. fought for the principle of nonviolence.

Examples: