GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is proofreading an essay and encounters a sentence with a commonly confused word. Which sentence uses the correct word?
- AThe principle goal of the project is to reduce waste.
- BThe principal of the project is to reduce waste.
- CThe principle of the project is to reduce waste.
- DThe principal goal of the project is to reduce waste.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The principal goal of the project is to reduce waste.
'Principal' can be an adjective meaning 'most important' or a noun referring to a school head or a sum of money. 'Principle' is always a noun meaning a fundamental truth or belief. In this context, 'most important' is intended, making 'principal' the correct choice.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option incorrectly uses 'principle' (a fundamental truth) instead of 'principal' (most important) to describe the goal.
- B. This option uses 'principal' as a noun, referring to a person (like a school principal) or a sum of money, which is incorrect in this context.
- C. This option uses 'principle' correctly as a noun, but changes the meaning of the original sentence, which implies 'main goal'.
Principal vs. Principle
'Principal' is an adjective meaning 'main' or 'most important', or a noun for a school head or money. 'Principle' is a noun meaning a fundamental truth or belief.
- Principal (adjective): main, chief, most important.
- Principal (noun): head of a school, original sum of money.
- Principle (noun): fundamental truth, belief, or rule.
Memory trick: The 'pal' (principal) is your main friend; 'principle' is a rule you live by.