Basic English Language Skills
Developed for Oxbridge Academy
Continual/Continuous
If something happens frequently, it is “continual”.
E.g. The trains were continually late.
If something happens all the time without interruption, it is
“continuous”.
E.g. It rained continuously for three days.
 
Its/It’s
“Its” indicates possession.
E.g. The company improved its performance by hiring new staff members.
“It’s” is a contraction of “it is”.
E.g. It’s uncertain whether the company will meet the financial targets  
this year.
Principal/Principle
A “principal” is the head of a school or college.
E.g. The principal declared that the school term would be extended  
by a week.
A “principal” thing is a main or most important thing.
E.g. His commitment to the task was the principal reason for his success.
A “principle” is a fundamental rule or belief.
E.g. It goes against my principles to eat meat.