rein

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rein" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to controlling or guiding something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as managing a situation or behavior. Example: "She had to rein in her emotions during the meeting to maintain professionalism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Teacher workloads have received government attention of late with deputy prime minister Nick Clegg vowing to rein in the "runaway train of bureaucracy" that harasses the profession.

The Guardian

Nick Clegg insists he will continue to make the pro-EU case, and battle to get the Lib Dems their fair share of credit for the coalition's achievements, showing that it is credible party of government that can rein in Tory or Labour excesses, rather than one sitting on the sidelines without power.

The Guardian

The disclosure bill, a complement to one pushed in the Senate last week, is the latest in a series of legislative attempts to rein in the NSA's collection and analysis of Americans' phone records and, potentially, Internet usage.

The Guardian

Over the past two years, self-styled vigilante groups have sprung up across the states of Guerrero and Michoacán in response the government's apparent inability to rein in the organised crime which has turned parts of both states into killing fields.

The Guardian

From a reader: "Please can you rein in the many writers who insist on dropping the word famously into their copy... as in famously overused, famously redundant or famously not really famous at all".

The Guardian

When [actor and playwright] William Gillette wrote the first stage adaptation, he cabled Doyle, 'Can I marry Holmes Doylele replied, 'You may marry him, or murder, or do what you like with him.' So I feel we've got free rein".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Congress is considering legislation to rein in the National Security Agency and Barack Obama is conducting a review.

The Guardian

It was a nail-biting few days for Downing Street as it sought to manage rifts over the economy rescue package, particularly opposition from France and Germany, who argued economic stimulus should not come at the expense of regulation to rein in the excesses of the market.

The Guardian

This year the oligarchs may have been expected to rein in expense as the global financial crisis bites.

The Guardian

"Before the revolution, many women in our society did not wear the hijab - but were they not virtuous humans?" On the campaign trail, Rouhani vowed to rein in the morality police, an organ the president does not directly control.

The Guardian

Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, looked increasingly boxed in by his own refusal to rein in the federal government's bulk collection of Americans' phone records.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rein" to imply a degree of control or guidance, especially when referring to abstract concepts like spending, emotions, or policies. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled or restrained.

Common error

Avoid confusing "rein", which means to control or guide, with "reign", which refers to ruling as a monarch. Using the wrong word can completely change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rein" is as a verb, meaning to control or restrain. It can also function as a noun, referring to the straps used to control a horse. Ludwig AI shows examples of "rein" being used to control abstract concepts like spending or emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "rein" functions primarily as a verb or noun, signifying control, restraint, or guidance. It's grammatically sound and enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, notably in news and business sectors. Ludwig AI confirms that "rein" is usable in written English, depending on the context. While the term is generally safe to use, caution is advised not to confuse it with "reign". Alternative terms such as "control", "restrain" and "curb" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. As Ludwig AI points out, it correctly conveys the intention in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control

Focuses on having power over something or someone.

restrain

Emphasizes holding back or limiting something's expression or movement.

curb

Suggests limiting or checking something undesirable.

check

Implies stopping or slowing down progress or action.

limit

Focuses on setting a boundary or restriction.

govern

Indicates ruling or managing with authority.

manage

Suggests overseeing and directing something effectively.

regulate

Emphasizes establishing rules or standards to control something.

subdue

Highlights bringing something under control by force or authority.

bridle

Suggests controlling or restraining, often in the context of anger or impulses.

FAQs

How to use "rein" in a sentence?

Use "rein" to indicate controlling or guiding something. For example, "The government needs to "rein in spending"." or "She had to "rein in her emotions" during the difficult conversation".

What can I say instead of "rein"?

You can use alternatives like "control", "restrain", or "curb" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "rein in" or "reign in"?

"Rein in" is correct when you mean to control or restrain something. "Reign in" is incorrect; "reign" refers to the period a monarch rules.

What's the difference between "rein in" and "hold back"?

"Rein in" implies a more active and forceful control, while "hold back" suggests a more passive form of restraint. You "rein in" something that is already in motion, while you "hold back" something from starting.