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Thought bubbles with text overlay – Principle v Principal – Your guide to confusing words

Confusing word choices

Thought bubbles with text overlay – Principle v Principal – Your guide to confusing words
Orange borders on white with orange text overlay – Principle v Principal – Your guide to confusing words
Thought bubbles with text overlay – Writing tip – PRINCIPLE v PRINCIPAL – Your guide to confusing words + free cheat sheet
Principal v Principle

Stumped on yet another confusing word choice?

Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur or simply write for work, producing your best written communication is vital to getting your message across – and to your professional credibility.

Typos are one thing, but using the wrong word in the wrong context? There’s a chance your reader will think twice about engaging with you. We’re all human and make mistakes, but you’ve undermined your credibility – which in your readers’ eyes can equate to ‘not capable of getting a professional job done’.

To avoid further confusion, I’ve compiled a list of the confusing words I most often see written in the wrong context. Download it, and keep it handy when you’re writing.

Today we’re looking at…

White text on orange background – Principle v Principal – Your guide to confusing words

Principle

A standard, law or rule.

  • The white paper’s environmental principles were deemed insubstantial.
  • The moral principle overrides the legal implications.

Principal

The head of an organisation or school, or the main person or factor.

  • The principal of the law firm decided to partner with two associates.
  • Misbehaving students no longer report to the school principal.
  • The principal actor did not take to the stage until the final scene.

Download the entire list of ‘confusable’ solutions.
Keep it handy and be confident whenever you face a word conundrum.

Questions? Thoughts? Leave a comment below.

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