Would you proudly say that your principle is Mr. Brown? The problem is, in spoken English, “principle” and “principal” are homophones – they are pronounced the same way. So when it comes to spelling it out, students (and even adults) get confused. Here are the differences.
- principle (n.) - the basic rule that controls or tells how something happens or works, the fundamentals
- principal (n.) – the head of a school or college, the leader of a group
- principal (adj.) – the first in rank, importance, the foremost
Examples:
- My principals in life have made me a better person. (X)
My principles in life have made me a better person. (√)
- The principals of accounting is taught only to foundation students. (X)
The principles of accounting is taught only to foundation students. (√)
- The principle of Ethan Elementary has transformed the school into a well-respected one. (X)
The principal of Ethan Elementary has transformed the school into a well-respected one. (√)
- We urgently need to replace our principle violinist who is ill, or else the concert could not go on. (X)
We urgently need to replace our principal violinist who is ill, or else the concert could not go on. (√)
- Only the principle credit card holder is authorized to request for the account balance. (X)
Only the principal credit card holder is authorized to request for the account balance. (√)
So the school principal is teaching his students the principles of economics. 
(Thanks, Rose for the input.)
Picture this: You’re talking to a friend, and you want to describe something but the word just doesn’t seem to form in your mind. You end up describing it in a very long phrase, or you’d say something like: “I don’t know what word to use but it’s ….” – well, don’t get me wrong. It’s alright to use a phrase, but it’s more colourful to be able to substitute those long phrases with just one word that tells all.
Today’s post aims to provide you with descriptive words to describe personalities. Refer to the table below. The ones in blue are negative personalities. Take note that the list is non-exhaustive:
|
The personality (of a person)
|
The word to use
|
| very attractive |
alluring
|
| easy to love because they’re attractive or small |
adorable
|
| able to be believed or trusted |
credible
|
| attractive, confident and carefully dressed |
debonair
|
| behaving politely and in a controlled way |
decorous
|
| careful and using a lot of effort |
diligent
|
| careful not to cause embarrassment by keeping a secret |
discreet
|
| famous, respected, important |
eminent
|
| have lots of ideas, energetic, forceful |
dynamic
|
| very energetic |
exuberant
|
| not supporting any sides in an argument; neutral |
impartial
|
| have a calm appearance or characteristics, and not easily excited |
placid
|
| determined in character, actions or ideas |
resolute
|
| morally correct |
righteous
|
| intentionally choosing one thing (or person) and not the others |
selective
|
| have a clear understanding and good judgment |
shrewd
|
| stay the same for a long time, not changing quickly |
steadfast
|
| (a woman) attractively very energetic, lively and enthusiastic |
vivacious
|
| using rude and offensive words to hurt others |
abusive
|
| feels unpleasantly proud, better than others, and knows more than anyone else |
arrogant
|
| wishing to fight or argue |
belligerent
|
| completely unable to think well because of mental illness |
deranged
|
| giving unclear answers to avoid answering questions honestly |
evasive
|
| very difficult to please |
finicky
|
| tries to be funny with a serious subject |
flippant
|
| extremely unpleasant or unacceptable |
repulsive
|
| easily shocked or upset by things that are unacceptable |
squeamish
|
| unpleasant and likely to argue a lot |
truculent
|
| likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly |
volatile
|
So, now that you know these words, in future, instead of saying:
- This person can be trusted.
- The referee doesn’t take sides.
- That politician is so proud that he believes he’s the only one who is right and knows everything.
- Some of my students are rude and argue a lot.
just say:
- This person is credible.
- The referee is impartial.
- That politician is so arrogant.
- Some of my students are truculent.
This is an interesting one. We know what we’re saying, yet when we write, we get both words mixed up. In fact, there shouldn’t be a confusion because the words are not even homophones. They are pronounced a little differently. One is spelt with a “v” and the other with an “f “.
- save (v.) – to keep (there are other meanings as well)
- safe (adj.) – not in danger, protected
Examples:
- I had to safe myself because the fire could not be extinguished. (X)
I had to save myself because the fire could not be extinguished. (√)
- They are now save from the horrible weather. (X)
They are now safe from the horrible weather. (√)
Now that you know the difference, make sure you save your money in a safe place. Make sure you know how to spell the word correctly. Often what you speak is not what you write. Isn’t English interesting?
I was walking down the stairs after buying lunch from the cafe when I heard two students chatting on their way up. One of them said:
- “I treat you because every time you treat me.”
I perfectly understood what they meant. It’s just the Malaysian way of saying that you’ll give someone a treat. However, the word “treat” is quite incorrectly used in that sentence.
- treat (v.) = give medical care
- treat (v.) = pay for someone’s meal
Examples:
- Let me treat you. (X) – quite incorrect
- Let me treat you to a nice meal. (√) - take note of the word “to”
- Let me give you a treat. (√)
However, if you’re a doctor attending to a patient, it’s correct to say:
- The doctor is busy treating so many patients today. (√)
- He’s being treated for cancer. (√)
- Dr. Wong treats his patients without drugs. (√)
Well, confusing huh? What the heck, just say: “Let’s go Dutch.”
