Rain, Reign, and Rein

Rain, reign, or rein?

Rain

The noun rain denotes the drops of water that fall from the clouds. (The word rain can also be used as a verb.)

Examples:

Reign

The noun reign means the period during which a sovereign occupies the throne. (The word reign can also be used as a verb.)

Examples:

Rein

The noun rein denotes a long strap, usually made from leather, that is used to lead a horse. (The word rein can also be used as a verb.)

Examples:

A Quick Test


FREE REIN OR FREE REIGN?

Having free rein to do something means you have considerable freedom to act as you please. The term derives from the idea of loosening a horse's reins to give it more freedom.

Even though free rein is the original version of this saying, the term free reign has been so widely misused in its place, it has developed into an acceptable alternative.

Q: WHICH VERSION SHOULD I USE? A: FREE REIN

As language changes according to usage and as the term free reign makes perfect sense in its own right, it is difficult to claim that free reign is wrong. However, we would advise that you play it safe and go for free rein. None of readers will baulk at the original version.


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See Also

What are nouns? What are verbs? List of easily confused words