rein in

USAGE SUMMARY

"rein in" is a valid phrase in written English, and it means to control something, usually a situation that is getting out of hand.
For example, "The company is working hard to rein in its costs for the upcoming fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time, perhaps, to rein in supply.

The Economist

Do they want to rein in entitlements?

The Washington Post

People are beginning to rein in spending".

The New York Times

Now, Republicans in Washington want to rein in lawsuits.

Stanford University

Regulators already have some power to rein in abuses.

The New York Times

It also announced guidelines to rein in banks' lending.

The Economist

Central banks then resolved to rein in inflation.

The Economist

Regulators have tried to rein in overeager lenders.

The Economist

The governor's proposal would help rein in that growth.

The New York Times

I mean getting behind specific actions to rein in costs.

The New York Times

I'll try to rein in this bad habit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rein in" when you want to convey the idea of controlling or limiting something that is becoming excessive or uncontrolled. For example, "The government needs to "rein in" spending."

Common error

Don't use "rein in" when referring to physical reins. It's generally used metaphorically to describe controlling abstract things like costs or emotions, not literal horses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rein in" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of controlling or limiting something, often to prevent it from becoming excessive. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rein in" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies the act of controlling or limiting something, particularly when it risks becoming excessive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It's found frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. Remember to use it metaphorically, focusing on abstract concepts rather than literal physical restraints. Alternatives include "curb", "control", and "restrain". Steer clear of the common error of using "reign in" instead. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "rein in" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curb

This term is shorter and more direct, focusing on restraining or checking something.

keep in check

This phrase emphasizes the ongoing effort to maintain control and prevent something from becoming problematic.

control

This is a broader term that emphasizes having power over something to guide its direction.

restrain

This term focuses on holding something back, preventing it from escalating or becoming excessive.

limit

This emphasizes setting a boundary or restriction on something.

constrain

This implies a more forceful restriction, often due to external pressures.

check

This term suggests a brief pause or halt to assess and control a situation.

regulate

This implies establishing rules and procedures to govern something.

govern

This term refers to the act of ruling or controlling with authority.

manage

This suggests a more hands-on approach to controlling a situation or resource.

FAQs

How can I use "rein in" in a sentence?

You can use "rein in" to describe controlling or limiting something, especially when it's becoming excessive. For example, "The company is trying to "rein in" its expenses."

What's a good alternative to "rein in"?

Alternatives to "rein in" include "curb", "control", or "restrain", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "reign in" instead of "rein in"?

No, the correct phrase is "rein in", which refers to controlling something. "Reign" refers to a period of rule. Using "reign in" is a common error.

When is it appropriate to use "rein in" in writing?

"Rein in" is appropriate when you want to convey the need to control or limit something that is getting out of hand, such as spending, emotions, or power. It suggests a need for restraint and management.