1. Diction - Principal and Principle
Writing Lab
Diction - Principal and Principle

2. Principal Principal is both a noun and an adjective. 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.

3. Principle Principle is only a noun.
A moral standard
Rule
Axiom
Basic Truth
A natural law
Value
We uphold the principle that all persons are created equal.

4. That’s all, folks!
This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series
Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon
To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson