Ask The Expert: Edit This
REIGN, REIN & RAIN
What’s the DIFFERENCE?
W
elcome to another grammar lesson brought to you by Edit This®. Today, we’ll be talking about the difference between Reign, Rein, and Rain. Do you find yourself getting tripped up on the proper usage for all or some of these?
Please don’t feel bad if you do. I’m here to tell you that even the most veteran writers and editors (including yours truly) either stumble on these or find themselves at least pausing to think about which one
they need to use in a particular sentence.
Let freedom reign. Rein, on the other hand, refers to those
fancy straps we use to control a horse. It is also used in common phrases such as “rein in” or “give free rein.”
That’s because Reign, Rein, and Rain are
Make sure to hold those reins tight.
same but have different meanings and
My wife has free rein to decorate
include complement and compliment, or
Sometimes, you must rein in a
homophones — words that sound the
spellings. Other examples of homophones there, their, and they’re.
So let’s dive right in, shall we? Reign, Rein, and Rain – What’s the difference?
Reign refers to a period of time in which
someone rules or occupies a throne, such as a king or queen. It also means a period of dominant power, or that someone or something is the best.
difficult employee.
We are trying to rein in our excitement for the trip, but we can’t.
It is important to keep a tight rein on your finances.
And last but not least ... Rain. Rain is,
well, those water drops falling from the
The King’s reign lasted 40 years. Her reign of terror dominates this office. High school football reigns supreme in Texas.
He is the reigning champion, and no one can beat him.
22 | LAKE CITIES LIVING
our house.
| MAY 2018
sky. It can also refer to a large amount of
My son’s baseball games always get rained out this time of year. In Texas, a hard rain every so often during the summer is a great thing. Thanks for reading! If you need help telling your story, whether it be business or personal related, give Edit This® a call. I like to say we handle all your writing and editing needs, including blogs, content writing for websites, press releases, and more. When it comes to owning your own business, what I have found is that many owners don’t have the time to write or double-check their work. In some cases, they admit they are not good writers. This leads to mistakes in grammar or an important message coming across the wrong way. Edit This® can bridge that gap, and the passion I have for what I do for a living shows in the quality of my work. With a little brainstorming, there’s no telling what we can accomplish together.
something and can be used figuratively. It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring.
The rain washed all the dirt away. It’s raining cats and dogs outside!
by Steve Gamel Edit This 469.360.3611 EditThisLLC.com