The word "principal" is either a noun meaning the main person or thing, or an adjective meaning first in rank, place, or importance. The word "principle" is a basic truth, code of conduct, law, or teaching.

The principal thing is to live by right principles.

-- Randal (randal@rhyme.cjb.net), November 21, 2001

Answers

Randal:

I use the following principles to keep it straight.

The Plinciple is teh rule: both end in "le".

The Principal at school was the top dog, of whom I was in constant fear.

BTW. What are the differences, if any, in meaning between "intrinsic" and "inherent"?

I assume this is a new forum dedicated to amateur philology and usage. If so, good & thanks.

-- RICHARD ILOMAKI (richardjx@hotmail.com), November 21, 2001.

Richard, thanks for the rules to keep the words straight. Yes, you have before you a new forum for all things English. We would hope it is not terribly amateur, since we'll have people with a good command of the language to give a hand.

As for inherent/intrinsic, see the new thread.

Best,

-- Randal (jrm@rhyme.cjb.net), November 22, 2001.