TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

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.
Gregg profile picture

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 16, 2025 • 5863 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.
  • 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"

  • 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.

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo