Why "in vein" is a bloody mistake

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 09/10/2024, 15:55

English.me team member

What kind of error is it?

Spelling and homophone error

Why do people make this mistake?

People confuse "in vein" with the correct phrase "in vain" because they sound the same; they are homophones. Additionally, "vein" is a familiar word related to anatomy, which can lead to confusion.

What is correct?

The correct phrase is "in vain," which means "without success or result." It is used to describe actions that do not achieve the intended outcome.

Examples of correct usage

He tried to fix the engine all night, but it was in vain.
She waited for hours for the bus, but it was in vain because it never arrived.
Their efforts to negotiate a peace treaty were in vain.