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Tim Tucker's Guide to Improving Your Writing and Grammar
N - S
Browse all topics or choose a letter: A - D | E - H | I - M | N - S | T - Z
passive vs. active voice
see "active vs. passive voice"
principal vs. principle
Principal indicates something or someone important. As a noun, principal refers to someone with an important, high-level position, such as a school principal or a principal owner of a firm. As an adjective, principal indicates that something is primary or the most important when compared to other options. The principal cause of the crash was human error. Principal also refers to the amount of money borrowed or still owed on a loan.
Principle is always a noun. It refers to a standard, important ethic, or rule. The implication is that it is something fundamental. This business agreement would require me to violate my principles. Therefore, I refuse to be a part of this.
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