reign

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'reign' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of royal or imperial rule, or a period of dominance or control by one person or group. For example: "Elizabeth II has reigned for over 60 years as the Queen of England."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Travel

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was insufficient time to pursue with the prime minister the possible Australian political analogies of a plotline in which a leader apparently set for a long reign is cut down prematurely.

The Guardian

King Harald V of Norway Age: 77 years Born: 21 February 1937 Ascended the throne: 17 January 1991 Length of reign: 24 years.

The Guardian

Ghesquière's reign at Balenciaga was renowned for a sci-fi aesthetic, which had been nowhere in evidence during Wang's first two collections.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before Powell's appointment England struggled to qualify for major tournaments; under her reign England reached the European Championship final in 2009 and twice reached the World Cup quarter-finals, in 2007 and 2011.

The Guardian - Sport

The biggest controversy of Richard's reign is the case of the princes in the Tower.

The Guardian - Film

She said: "You became associated with 'polite society' from the end of Elizabeth I's reign.

The Guardian

During a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Monday, Paul said he will "do everything possible" to reign in the government's surveillance apparatus.

The Guardian

He was taken to hospital just hours before the concert, which was opened by Robbie Williams and featured music from every decade of her reign.

The Guardian - Music

The gold statue, however, recalls the reign of his predecessor, Saparmurat Niyazov, who was known as Turkmenbashi, or leader of all the Turkmens.

The Guardian

The England forward, though, has been equally pleased with the effect the Dutchman has had on a squad which Van Gaal described as "broken" following the disastrous reign of David Moyes.

The Guardian - Sport

We have to face it head on, because the repercussions of Mrs Thatcher's reign have fed the nation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reign", consider the context: it's most appropriate when discussing monarchs or periods of significant influence. For broader control, consider using "rule" or "governance".

Common error

Avoid using "reign" when you mean "rein", which means to control or restrain. "Reign" refers to a period of rule.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reign" is either as a noun, referring to a period of rule (e.g., "the queen's reign"), or as a verb, meaning to exercise sovereign power (e.g., "she reigned wisely"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct and versatile use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

18%

Film

7%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Books

3%

Music

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "reign" is correctly used as both a noun and a verb, referring to a period of rule or the act of ruling. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile word found frequently in news and media, as well as sports and film. While grammatically sound, it is often confused with "rein", highlighting a common error. To ensure accuracy, consider the context: "reign" is best for discussing monarchs or significant influence, while "rule" or "governance" may be more appropriate for broader contexts. Examples sourced from authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist showcase its proper application in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rule

This term is more general, often referring to any form of control or governance, not necessarily by a monarch.

governance

This term suggests a broader scope of administration and policy-making.

dominion

This word emphasizes control and authority over a territory or people.

sovereignty

This phrase highlights the supreme authority and independence of a ruler or state.

administration

This alternative refers to the process of managing or governing an organization or state.

tenure

This term specifically denotes the period during which someone holds a position or office.

leadership

This word emphasizes the ability to guide and direct others, often in a non-monarchical context.

period of control

This phrase describes a time when someone or something has power or influence.

time in power

This expression refers to the duration someone holds a position of authority.

term of office

This alternative denotes the length of time a person serves in a particular office.

FAQs

How can I use "reign" in a sentence?

You can use "reign" to refer to a period of rule, as in "The queen's "reign" lasted for 50 years". It can also refer to dominance, as in "A "reign" of terror".

What's the difference between "reign" and "rule"?

"Reign" typically refers to the period a monarch governs, while "rule" is a more general term for exercising authority or control.

What are some synonyms for "reign"?

Synonyms for "reign" include "rule", "governance", "dominion", and "sovereignty", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "reign" in a non-monarchical context?

Yes, "reign" can be used metaphorically to describe a period of dominance or influence in non-monarchical settings, such as "the "reign" of social media".