clamp down

USAGE SUMMARY

"clamp down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to restrict or reduce an activity or action. For example: "The government clamped down on illegal immigration with tougher border laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Do they clamp down?

The New York Times

We've got to clamp down on it".

The Guardian

Are they reluctant to clamp down?

The New York Times

So the EU decided to clamp down on it.

The Guardian - Business

The Fed won't have to clamp down hard.

The New York Times

Next he must clamp down on the Kashmiri fighters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Kidd clamped down on Marbury.

The New York Times - Sports

My lawyer is clamping down my jaw.

The New York Times

New York has clamped down with roadside checks.

The Economist

But the Knicks clamped down from there.

The New York Times - Sports

The IOC has clamped down on corruption.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clamp down" when you want to emphasize a firm and decisive action to stop or reduce something undesirable. It's particularly effective when discussing law enforcement, regulations, or control measures.

Common error

Avoid using "clamp down" in casual conversations or informal writing where a softer, less forceful term would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "I need to clamp down on my spending", consider "I need to reduce my spending".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "clamp down" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of forceful restriction or suppression. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English, as exemplified by various instances of its use in authoritative sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

14%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clamp down" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that signifies taking strong, decisive action to suppress or control something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts highlights its widespread applicability. While generally neutral in tone, its forceful nature suggests caution in informal settings. For semantically related alternatives, consider phrases like "crack down" or "restrict", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crack down

This alternative suggests a more forceful and immediate application of restrictive measures.

enforce stricter rules

This alternative highlights the active imposition and application of more stringent regulations.

restrict

Highlights the imposition of limits or boundaries on an activity or behavior.

tighten restrictions

More explicitly refers to making existing rules or limits stricter.

suppress

Implies a more forceful and possibly oppressive action to stop or prevent something.

curtail

Focuses on reducing or limiting something, often gradually.

repress

Suggests a forceful prevention of expression or action, often associated with political contexts.

stifle

Indicates hindering or preventing something from developing or expressing itself freely.

put the brakes on

Idiomatic expression suggesting a sudden stop or slowing down of an activity.

control

Emphasizes maintaining power and direction over something, often in a sustained manner.

FAQs

How can I use "clamp down" in a sentence?

You can use "clamp down" to indicate the action of strictly enforcing rules or suppressing activities. For example: "The police decided to "clamp down" on illegal gambling." Or "The school is "clamping down" on the use of cellphones during class."

What are some alternatives to "clamp down"?

Alternatives to "clamp down" include "crack down", "restrict", or "tighten restrictions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "clamp down" or "crack down"?

"Clamp down" and "crack down" are often interchangeable, but "crack down" typically implies a more immediate and forceful action. "Clamp down" can suggest a more sustained effort at control.

What does it mean to "clamp down" on something?

To "clamp down" on something means to take strong and decisive action to suppress, control, or eliminate it. This often involves enforcing rules more strictly or implementing new measures to prevent undesirable behavior.