English is a fascinating language, a living thing constantly evolving. This evolution can be uncomfortable at times.
No one now living will recall the days when “old” was spelled “olde,” “shop” was spelled “shoppe,” or “the” or “you” was spelled “ye.”
But I will guarantee that as these new-at-the-time spellings were evolving and working their way into the language, there was a hue and cry from language lovers of the day bemoaning the corruption and degradation of the English language.
Which brings me to my English irritation of the day.
I am appalled at how often I see the phrase “free reign” used incorrectly to refer to being given or having unrestricted freedom or autonomy.
The correct phrase is “free rein,” an equestrian metaphor that refers to the rider giving the horse the freedom to move without restrictions, allowing it to choose its own pace and direction.
For example, “The manager gave the team members free rein to develop the project as they saw fit.”
The term “reign” refers to the period during which a monarch rules. Using “free reign” is incorrect in most contexts, but it has become a widely accepted error.
In becoming a widely accepted error, “free reign” is worming its way into our glorious English.
Much to the horror of many English language lovers (including me!).
End Notes
Top image: Spook Em Jus’ For Fun with T’Lara Joy Freedom | Photo credit © Keith Oberle.
Image 2: Nicolas McComber on Canva, text added by T’Lara Joy Freedom.
Image 3: Spook Em Jus’ For Fun with T’Lara Joy Freedom | Photo credit © Can’t recall, sadly.
Image 4: Monarch | Photo credit © Katarzyna Modrzejewska on Pexels.
Sources: Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, Oxford English Dictionary (“OED”).
