Flashes of Panic

By now, I hope, everyone has figured out that there are some cases where the spell check can’t help, and that’s where the misspelling you’ve found is the correct spelling of another word.

More accurately, though, the problem is homophones (words which are spelled differently but sound similar) being confused in situations where the author simply doesn’t know the original meaning of the figure of speech they’re using.

In track writing, the first problem comes when we have two contenders facing off. If it’s two individuals in one race, that’s a “duel”, a noun naming a kind of single combat. On the other hand, if it’s one team against another with no other teams present, that’s a “dual meet” with “dual” as an adjective modifying “meet”. The Stanford vs. Cal “Big Meet” is a dual meet. Khadevis Robinson vs. Nick Symmonds is a duel. I’ve seen the phrase “duel meet” used and I have to hope it’s an unconscious neologism rather than a misguided attempt to use colorful language by mixing metaphors.

Now let’s consider leashes and other forms of power over another. If you stop restraining your pace, or take over a job, you’re talking about “reins”, the lines used to guide horses. That’s the proper spelling for “giving free rein” to your inner grammar curmudgeon, or “taking the reins at USATF.” On the other hand, if you’re dominating an event and get defeated, your “reign” is over—the word for a ruler’s time in power. It’s actually possible to construct a figure of speech in which either of those might be correct (“free reign”), but the meaning will be slightly different depending on which one you select.

Don’t get me started on “bridle” paths being called “bridal” paths. A bridle is something you might attach reins to. Don’t try this at a wedding.

Most people who make these mistakes know this, and the problem comes from their fingers moving more from reflex than from conscious thought. I suppose it’s the triumph of spell-checking over careful editing.

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