Examples by Level
En principio, el perro es grande.
In principle, the dog is big.
Simple present tense. 'En principio' introduces a general statement.
En principio, el coche es azul.
In principle, the car is blue.
Simple present tense. 'Es' is the verb 'to be'.
En principio, la casa tiene dos pisos.
In principle, the house has two floors.
Simple present tense. 'Tiene' is the verb 'to have'.
En principio, el libro es interesante.
In principle, the book is interesting.
Simple present tense. Adjective 'interesante' agrees with 'libro'.
En principio, la comida es deliciosa.
In principle, the food is delicious.
Simple present tense. Adjective 'deliciosa' agrees with 'comida'.
En principio, la escuela es grande.
In principle, the school is big.
Simple present tense. Adjective 'grande' agrees with 'escuela'.
En principio, el gato es negro.
In principle, the cat is black.
Simple present tense. Adjective 'negro' agrees with 'gato'.
En principio, la flor es roja.
In principle, the flower is red.
Simple present tense. Adjective 'roja' agrees with 'flor'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'en principio' as 'in the principle beginning.' It helps connect the idea of starting with a concept or theory.
Visual Association
Imagine a whiteboard with a simple, initial sketch of a plan. Above it, write 'En Principio' to represent the idea in its theoretical or preliminary stage before all the details are filled in.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'en principio' in three different sentences this week. For example, 'En principio, quiero ir al gimnasio todos los días.' (In principle, I want to go to the gym every day.)
Test Yourself 12 questions
Choose the best translation for 'en principio'.
'En principio' means 'in principle' or 'in theory'.
Which sentence uses 'en principio' correctly?
'En principio' indicates that something is true or planned as a general rule, but might change.
If something is true 'en principio', what does that imply?
'En principio' suggests a general truth or plan, leaving room for variations or future adjustments.
'En principio' always means that something is definitely going to happen.
No, 'en principio' means 'in principle' or 'in theory,' implying it's a general plan but could change.
If someone says 'En principio, estoy de acuerdo', it means they fully agree without any doubts.
If someone says 'En principio, estoy de acuerdo', it means 'In principle, I agree,' suggesting a general agreement but possibly with reservations or conditions.
You can use 'en principio' to talk about a general rule or plan.
Yes, 'en principio' is perfect for discussing general rules or initial plans.
The meeting time.
Are there problems with the plan?
What can you use?
Read this aloud:
En principio, vamos al parque.
Focus: En principio
You said:
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Read this aloud:
En principio, la tienda cierra a las siete.
Focus: cierra
You said:
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Read this aloud:
En principio, todo está bien.
Focus: todo
You said:
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/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
