English 
español 
française 
italiano 
deutsche 
日本語 
polski 
česky 
svenska 
Türkçe 
Nederlands 
Why "principle character" isn’t the right leading role
Lloyd Cooper 09/10/2024, 08:38English.me team member
What kind of error is it?
Word choice error
Why do people make this mistake?
People often confuse "principle" with "principal" because they sound similar and are homophones. "Principle" refers to a fundamental truth or proposition, while "principal" can mean the head of a school or the main participant in a situation.
What is correct?
The correct term to use is "principal character" as "principal" in this context means "main" or "leading".
Examples of correct usage
- The principal character in the novel is a young detective.
- In Shakespeare's plays, the principal character often grapples with significant moral dilemmas.
Recommended posts in 
Grammar
Aim for precision: why "principle aim" misses the mark
People often make this error because the words "principle" and ... Learn more →
Why "head quarters" needs a space makeover
Some people mistakenly treat "headquarters" as two separate words, possibly ... Learn more →
Why you should never "give advise": common language misstep explained
People often confuse "advise" and "advice" because they sound similar ... Learn more →
Why is it use to incorrect?
People often make this error due to phonetic confusion, as ... Learn more →