Principls (for Principals, Principles)

When I was in grade school, one of the mnemonic devices we used to remember the difference between principal and principle was “Principal Smith puts the PAL in PrinciPAL.”  Our principal really was a pal, knowing every student by name and always putting the principles of fairness and kindness first, so it was an easy mnemonic for us students to retain.  If your principal were more like bullying educators such as Principal Vernon from The Breakfast Club, it might be harder to think of him (or her) as a pal.  I suppose using “principl” eliminates the need to decide between an A or E at all, but let’s all try to stick with our principles of clear writing and avoid typos when we can. Make your grade school principal proud!


(Photo of Paul Gleason as Principal Vernon from People.com)


Leanne Olson