Abstract: Some mistakes and wrong concepts about the principle of effective stress in saturated soil are pointed out and analyzed. Some problems in the field are discussed, for example, the reduction of pore water pressure in clay, the diffusion of bound water in clay, the accuracy of the principle of effective stress in rock, concrete and clay, the measurement of pore water pressure in clay and uplift pressure on basement. Through the long processs of practice and experiments, a conclusion is drawn that the principle of effective stress is applicable and effective in both saturated sand and clay.