Word Usage
Mary W. Ng
June 26, 2009
free reign, free rein
Free rein is a noun phrase meaning “the freedom to do, say, or feel what you want”. Reign is a noun meaning “rule by a monarch”. Free reign is incorrect.
| Incorrect: | As an artist, I must be allowed free reign. |
| Correct: | As an artist, I must be allowed free rein. |