reigning in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reigning in" is not correct in this context; the correct expression is "reining in." You can use it when referring to the act of controlling or limiting something, often in a figurative sense.
Example: "The government is working on reining in excessive spending to balance the budget."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Adding to the uncertainty reigning in the streets of Venezuela is the complete media blackout.

The Guardian

"What's Twitter?" she asked, reigning in her horse, Jasper, who was feisty and, apparently, not used to groups.

The New York Times - Travel

He's more like Milton's Satan reigning in Hell — his strength commands admiration, and he's too provoking to ignore.

The New Yorker

Its rotunda's ceiling is decorated with Jupiter, Mercury and Venus reigning in the skies: the first heavenly bodies you see.

The New York Times - Arts

Nor does Mr. Putin care to be lumped with the presidents-for-life reigning in some other former Soviet republics.

The New York Times

The Rudd and Gillard governments needed to move to make the budget more sustainable by reigning in these payments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Order reigned in Nepenthe".

The New Yorker

A strange silence reigned in the car.

The New Yorker

Chaos reigns in America's favorite sport.

The New York Times

Domestic bliss should reign in my home.

The New York Times

Peace reigned in the spring and summer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "reigning in" is commonly used, remember that the grammatically correct and often preferred phrase is "reining in", especially in formal writing. Always consider your audience and the context when choosing between the two.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "reigning in" instead of "reining in". "Reigning" refers to holding royal office, while "reining" (from the use of reins to control a horse) refers to controlling or restraining something. Double-check your spelling to ensure you're using the correct term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reigning in" functions as a verb phrase often used metaphorically to describe the act of controlling, restraining, or limiting something. While frequently used, Ludwig AI points out that the correct expression is "reining in."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reigning in" is commonly used to mean controlling or limiting something. However, it is technically a misspelling of "reining in". Ludwig AI indicates that "reining in" is the correct phrase. Despite the misspelling, "reigning in" appears frequently across various sources, particularly in news and media. While widely understood, for formal contexts, opting for the accurate "reining in" is advisable. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing the appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controlling

Highlights the act of maintaining power or influence over something.

limiting

Directly indicates the establishment of a maximum quantity or degree.

restricting

Emphasizes the imposition of limits or boundaries on an activity or entity.

bringing under control

Emphasizes the act of gaining command or authority over something previously unmanaged.

curbing

Suggests restraining or checking an action or impulse.

keeping in check

Highlights maintaining something within acceptable limits to prevent excesses.

curtailing

Focuses on reducing the extent or quantity of something, often implying a limitation.

checking

Implies monitoring and controlling something to prevent undesirable outcomes.

governing

Implies establishing and enforcing rules or policies to manage something.

managing

Focuses on the act of overseeing and directing something effectively.

FAQs

What is the correct way to spell the phrase: "reigning in" or "reining in"?

The correct spelling is "reining in", which refers to controlling or restraining something. "Reigning in" is a misspelling, although commonly used.

When should I use "reining in"?

Use "reining in" when you mean to control, restrain, or manage something. For example, "The government is trying to "reining in" healthcare costs".

What are some alternatives to "reining in"?

Alternatives include "controlling", "restricting", "curbing", or "limiting", depending on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "reigning in" in writing?

While "reigning in" is commonly used and often understood, it's technically incorrect. For formal writing, "reining in" is the preferred and grammatically correct option. In less formal contexts, the usage of "reigning in" may be considered acceptable by some, but it's generally better to opt for correctness.