Question

principal
prin-cí-pal prín-suh-puh l
middle english, from latin principalis
adjective

1. first, highest in rank or importance

noun

1. the head of a school or organization
2. a sum of money

principle
prin-ci-ple prín-suh-puh l
middle english, alteration of middle french, from latin principium
noun

1. a rule of action or conduct
2. a fundamental law or truth

which sentence uses principal correctly?
○ we learned the valuable principal of honesty from dad.
○ our school principal is respected in the community.
○ madame sofie taught her dancers the principals of ballet.
○ responsibility is one of life’s fundamental principals.

Explanation:

To determine the correct sentence, we analyze the definitions of "principal" and "principle":

• "principal" (adjective: first/highest; noun: head of school/organization, sum of money)
• "principle" (noun: rule of conduct, fundamental law/truth)

1. "We learned the valuable principal of honesty from Dad." – Incorrect. "honesty" is a rule/truth, so should use "principle".
2. "Our school principal is respected in the community." – Correct. "principal" as the head of the school matches the noun definition.
3. "Madame Sofie taught her dancers the principals of ballet." – Incorrect. "principles" (rules of ballet) should be used, not "principals".
4. "Responsibility is one of life’s fundamental principals." – Incorrect. "principles" (fundamental truths) should be used, not "principals".

Answer:

Our school principal is respected in the community.