Writing Tip 187: “Vane” vs. “Vein” vs. “Vain”

This chicken is so vane.

Carly Simon sang, “You’re so ___.” Fill in the blank.

It’s a test of your music savvy and of your spelling.

Yes, we’re looking for the word “vain” in this instance. How’d you do?

Of course you know that:

“Vain” means to be conceited or self-absorbed;
a “vane” is something that might be on top of your barn showing the direction of the wind; and
a “vein” is a part of your circulatory system that carries blood through your body.

We could get into the difference between “veins” and “arteries,” but that’s an entirely different conversation—and it’s an answer I always forget.

Keep your vanity intact, and don’t make this mistake anymore. Got it, writers?

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