Bob Calnen of Manchester, Connecticut, is a man of "principles" — and "principals." He loves to send me misuses of the devilish troublemakers "principle" and "principal."

"Principal," you'll recall, is an adjective meaning "most important," as in "principal component," or a noun meaning the foremost person, as in "school principal." "Principle" is a noun meaning "law, doctrine or assumption," as in "principle of self-preservation."

(Under the principle of full disclosure, I confess that I mix up these words all the time. In fact, I'm so fearful of misusing them that I'm on the verge of becoming an un"principled" writer.)

Some of us remember the distinction between these two words with the handy mnemonic "The principal is your pal." (That bon mot took on a literal meaning for me a few years ago when my close friend Larry became a high-school principal.)

Other tricks to remember the difference between these two words include noting that "legal" and "principle" both have an "e" and that "principal" contains an "a," the first letter of the alphabet.

When using one of the p-words, always provide enough context to make it clear which one you intend. Sentences like these can confuse your reader: "The superintendent of schools was fired for ignoring the school system's principals/principles"; "Our ethical investment fund is committed to preserving its clients' principals/principles." (Hopefully, both!)

Here are some of the "principal/principle" mistakes Mr. Calnen found in local newspapers. I've corrected some errors and left others alone. Which ones are now correct?

1. This could result in a suspension for the principal owner of the team. 2. The owners got the union to accept revenue sharing in principal. 3. Silage is the principle feed for the dairy cows during the snow season. 3. It would cost the homebuyer more than $1,800 in principle, interest and taxes per month. 5. They see it as a matter of principle.

6. (from a real estate ad) Three bedroom, 2 1/2 baths... Must be seen. Principles only. 7. He is the principle stockholder of the agency. 8. The key principals in the three-game sweep were a couple of Cincinnati reserves. 9. The principle problem is leadership. 10. We operate on the principal of trust.

BONUS: (under a photo of an actress) "Victoria Principle"

Answers:

Only 1, 5 and 8 are correct, though 5 could also be interpreted as money (principal). As for Victoria's secret, it's "Principal."

Rob Kyff, a teacher and writer in West Hartford, Connecticut, invites your language sightings. His book, "Mark My Words," is available for $9.99 on Amazon.com. Send your reports of misuse and abuse, as well as examples of good writing, via email to [email protected] or by regular mail to Rob Kyff, Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, California, 90254.

Photo credit: Kranich17 at Pixabay