In principle vs in principal

'In principle' is the proper English phrasing. 'In principle' is a common English expression used to indicate a general rule or concept, while 'in principal' is not a standard phrase in English.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 16, 2025 • 5899 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"In principle"

Use 'in principle' to refer to a general rule, concept, or idea that guides a particular situation or decision.

Examples:

In principle, I agree with the proposal, but we need to consider the practical implications.
The company operates in principle on the basis of transparency and honesty.
In principle, the law prohibits discrimination based on gender.
The policy, in principle, supports sustainable development.
She accepted the job offer in principle, pending further negotiations.

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In principle revised every five years.
In principle, applicable to rotary cement kilns.
In principle this claim was accepted.
In principle on grounds relating to "de-harmonisation"; see Council Doc.
In principle, national organizations can also be contacted.
In principle this is a positive initiative, although it needs careful elaboration.
In principle, the operation is finished.
In principle, businesses must operate without direct government subsidies.
In principle complaints is expensive, costing 14 euros...
In principle, the results are shown only bookable yachts.
In principle this commitment was reiterated this year.
In principle, this approach is correct.
In principle, the existing decentralised system has worked well.
In principle, this would also apply in relation to the Council.
In principle, access can be granted to Eurojust provided that certain conditions are satisfied.
In principle, for each product one benchmark should be defined.
In principle, undertakings cannot claim legitimate expectations in respect of illegal State aid.
In principle, your rapporteur welcomes the Commission's proposal for a regulation.
In principle, undertakings cannot claim legitimate expectations in respect of illegal State aid.
In principle, the Fund covers the return of both immigrants and asylum-seekers whose applications have been turned down.

This phrase is not a standard expression in English.

"in principal"

Show examples from the web [+]

Such public interests and safeguards may in principal be best found through limited regulation, self-regulation and subsidiarity.
Amendments Nos 7 and 13 are acceptable in principal, but they require some changes.
The amount in principal of loans which may then be granted to the Member States is limited to EUR 14000000000.
The decision is for a maximum amount of EUR 55000000 in principal with a maximum duration of 10 years.
The outstanding amount of loans is limited to EUR 12 billion in principal.
The outstanding amount of loans to be granted to Member States under this facility shall be limited to 12 billion in principal.
The Commission can accept 14 of these amendments in full, in part or in principal.
The loan was initially for a maximum amount of EUR 150000000 in principal with a maximum duration of 10 years.
Council Decision 1999/731/EC of 8 November 1999 providing supplementary macrofinancial assistance for Bulgaria (OJ L 294, 16.11.1999, p. 27) (a maximum amount of EUR 100000000 in principal).
Council Decision 1999/732/EC of 8 November 1999 providing supplementary macrofinancial assistance to Romania (OJ L 294, 16.11.1999, p. 29) (a maximum amount of EUR 200000000 in principal).
Council Decision 1999/731/EC of 8 November 1999 providing supplementary macro-financial assistance for Bulgaria (OJ L 294, 16.11.1999, p. 27) (a maximum amount of EUR 100000000 in principal).
Council Decision 1999/732/EC of 8 November 1999 providing supplementary macro-financial assistance to Romania (OJ L 294, 16.11.1999, p. 29) (a maximum amount of EUR 200000000 in principal).
Many in our group support this proposal in principal, but many also believe that this is not the right context in which to take it up.
On the fraught question of aerial spraying, the European Commission's proposal - for a ban in principal with exceptions that must be justified - made a lot of sense.
The loan is for a maximum amount of EUR 200000000 in principal with a maximum duration of 10 years, and will be disbursed in two tranches.
Council Decision 1999/733/EC of 8 November 1999 providing supplementary macrofinancial assistance to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (OJ L 294, 16.11.1999, p. 31) (a maximum amount of EUR 50000000 in principal).
Council Decision 1999/733/EC of 8 November 1999 providing supplementary macro-financial assistance to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (OJ L 294, 16.11.1999, p. 31) (a maximum amount of EUR 50000000 in principal).
The guarantee will be limited to EUR 85 billion in principal in the guarantee agreement.
the future 'final' refinancing guarantee by the Member States concerned in favour of Dexia SA and DCL, for a maximum amount in principal of EUR 90 billion;
The second subparagraph of Article 1 (1) is replaced by the following: «The outstanding amount of loans to be granted to Member States under this facility shall be limited to EUR 50 billion in principal.

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