abridge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abridge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the act of shortening a text or a piece of writing while retaining its essential meaning. Example: "The editor decided to abridge the lengthy novel to make it more accessible for younger readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Publisher Egmont's decision to abridge AA Milne's stories for a new app has caused a backlash, including a derisory leader in the Times and a debate on the Today programme.

The Guardian - Books

Yet the creators of the movie were forced to drop plans to distribute it via cable television for fear of stiff fines and long jail terms.The reason is that Congress has in fact passed a number of laws that abridge the freedom of certain groups to say certain things, in certain ways and at certain times about wait for it politicians.

The Economist

This says that "no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens".

The Economist

The series is usually described as a chain of 12 links (nidanas, "causes"), though some texts abridge these to 10, 9, 5, or 3.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It forbids the states to abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, or to deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The modern historian of this war is in much the same position as the ancient: he cannot do much more than translate, abridge, or enlarge upon Thucydides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Constitution's 13th Amendment prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude; the 14th bars the application of any law that would abridge the "privileges and immunities" of U.S. citizens or deprive any person of "life, liberty, or property…without due process of law" or deny any person equal protection under the law; and the 15th guarantees the right of all U.S. citizens to vote.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using the law to abridge freedom of speech is wrong, but retailers are not the government.

Independent

Al-Suyūṭī was a compiler of genius rather than an original writer, but it is precisely his ability to select and abridge that makes the books useful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mark reluctantly agrees to abridge our drifting experiment.

The New Yorker

The amendment does contain one big exception: "Nothing in this article shall be construed to grant Congress or the States the power to abridge the freedom of the press".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abridge" in legal or formal contexts, ensure you accurately convey the specific rights or freedoms being limited to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't confuse "abridge" with simply shortening text. "Abridge" often carries the connotation of reducing rights or privileges, especially in legal contexts. Use "shorten" or "condense" when referring to text only.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abridge" is as a transitive verb. It typically signifies the action of shortening something (like a text) or curtailing a right or privilege. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "abridge" is used to describe the act of shortening or limiting something, often with implications of reducing rights or textual content. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. When writing, it's important to consider the context and ensure that "abridge" accurately conveys the intended meaning of reducing scope or rights, and alternatives such as "shorten" or "condense" can be more appropriate in particular context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shorten

Focuses on making something physically shorter.

condense

Implies reducing the volume or size by compressing.

curtail

Suggests limiting something, often abruptly.

truncate

Means cutting off a part, often at the end.

reduce

General term for making something smaller or less.

limit

Emphasizes setting a boundary or restriction.

restrict

Similar to limit, but often more forceful.

contract

Implies reducing in size by drawing together.

cut back

Suggests reducing expenses or consumption.

scale down

Implies reducing the size or extent of something proportionally.

FAQs

How to use "abridge" in a sentence?

You can use "abridge" to indicate shortening something, like "The editor decided to "abridge" the novel". It can also mean restricting rights, as in "The law must not "abridge" freedom of speech".

What can I say instead of "abridge" when referring to text?

Alternatives to "abridge" in the context of shortening text include "shorten", "condense", or "summarize".

Which is correct, "abridge the rights" or "curtail the rights"?

Both ""abridge" the rights" and "curtail the rights" are correct, but "abridge" is more commonly used in legal or constitutional contexts, while "curtail" may be used in more general situations.

What's the difference between "abridge" and "infringe"?

"Abridge" means to reduce or limit, while "infringe" means to violate or trespass. You "abridge" a right by limiting it, but you infringe a right by directly violating it.