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To: CyberAnt

Logically correct, but it contains a jarring error that is far too common. "Reign", "rein", and "rain" are homonyms, not synonyms. And their derivatives retain the separateness of their meanings, a situation abused more than once in this article.

"Reigning in" is nonsensical. To reign is to rule or preside, however benignly or despotically. This might seem to apply to the judicial arrogation of power being described, but the phrase actually evokes the metaphor referenced below.

"Reining in" would refer literally to the act of controlling an animal, such as a horse, that is pulling or carrying a burden, by means of a rein or halter. Based on the metaphorical parallel, this was the proper word choice above.

And rain, of course, falls from above. It might be the gentle drops of a Spring shower, the fury of a storm, or even the death and destruction of war. The current issue of our local newsletter uses the same mistaken word with this intended meaning, in 243 copies. Arrgh!


40 posted on 03/28/2005 9:25:22 AM PST by MainFrame65
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To: MainFrame65

Excuse me .. I didn't write this article - why don't you tell the author.


49 posted on 03/28/2005 9:51:59 AM PST by CyberAnt (President Bush: "America is the greatest nation on the face of the earth")
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