Principal issue vs Principle issue

The correct phrase is 'principal issue.' 'Principal' in this context means main or primary, while 'principle' refers to a fundamental truth or belief.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 24, 2025 • 5541 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the main or primary problem or concern.

"Principal issue"

Use 'principal issue' when referring to the main or primary problem or concern in a situation.

Examples:

The principal issue we need to address is the lack of communication within the team.
The principal issue with the project is the budget constraints.

Show examples from the web [+]

The principal issue was whether the legislative provisions as applied in the case struck a fair balance between the competing public and private interests involved.
I do not think the contents of the collection box is the principal issue.
The Commission hopes to obscure the principal issue, namely its quest for legal personality or EU sovereignty.
With regard to the Hautala report, the principal issue was the compulsory reduction in sulphur content.
The principal issue is therefore what makes man be a living being.
The triumphant declarations of UNICE (European employers' organisation) show this clearly when they state that the principal issue was settled, even if not all its demands were fully satisfied.
The principal issue on which the just solution of various other problems depends continues to be the creation of impartial conditions for the desired return of the refugees and exiles to their own homes, with the assurance of a peaceful future.
The principal issue in accounting for income taxes is how to account for the current and future tax consequences of:
2. Any interested party who raises the recognition of a judgment as the principal issue in a dispute may, in accordance with the procedures provided for in Sections 2 and 3 of this Chapter, apply for a decision that the judgment be recognised.

Alternatives:

main issue
primary issue
key issue
central issue
core issue

This phrase is incorrect. 'Principle' refers to a fundamental truth or belief, not the main or primary problem or concern.

"Principle issue"

Show examples from the web [+]

This - it has emphasized Smits - is for we a principle issue.
Because it is a principle issue, it would then come to say, and because they have irrenounceable other functions aside what is hypocritically declared.
Yet very important issues of principle are still outstanding.
Ethical principles, accessibility issues and gender aspects will be duly and horizontally taken into account in all relevant research themes.
The theory is based on the same principle: To issue positive commands to your subconscious.
Viganò will offer an in-depth examination on the principle bioethical issues through the fascination of the seventh art and the films from Italian and International directors.
Principles governing the issue of alternative certificates
It was with this in mind that we decided how to vote and we will continue to be guided by the same principles on this issue in future.
Switzerland and Italy reach agreement in principle on tax issues
In the Basque Country there are no grants to subsidize competitions in principle, Another issue is that some company can help you.
The position we are expressing through this explanation of vote constitutes the attitude we adopt on principle regarding this issue.
Notwithstanding the view taken as a matter of principle on this issue, there are reasons for questioning whether these developments would lead to a more restrictive policy, which is the objective.
The Council has endorsed Parliament's concerns on this issue in principle.
The Ombudsman considers that this case raises an important issue of principle.
Both Parties agree to respect humanitarian principles in addressing migratory issues.
Let me take the issue of principle first.
There are great issues of principle before us today.
Mr President, this is an issue of principle.
Mr President, there are two issues of principle in the Council's draft directive.
I also entreat my fellow Members not to raise issues of principle on language matters.

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Principal issue vs Principle issue

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