clamp down on

USAGE SUMMARY

'clamp down on' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually means to enforce something more strictly or to impose a restriction. For example: "The government has clamped down on certain types of entertainment in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've got to clamp down on it".

The Guardian

So the EU decided to clamp down on it.

The Guardian - Business

Next he must clamp down on the Kashmiri fighters.

The New York Times

But they will also clamp down on others.

The Guardian - Sport

It also wants to clamp down on multinational tax.

The Guardian

It could clamp down on the economic power of traffickers.

The Economist

Clausen has continued to clamp down on counterparts.

The New York Times - Sports

It is therefore quick to clamp down on zealous behaviour.

The Economist

China nevertheless continued to clamp down on dissent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The firm's conduct prompted the watchdog to clamp down on payday lending practices.

The Guardian - Business

The findings will give fresh urgency to calls to clamp down on diesel vehicles.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clamp down on" when you want to convey a sense of firm action being taken to stop or control something undesirable. It's suitable for describing actions by authorities, organizations, or even individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "clamp down on" for situations that require a more nuanced approach. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly aggressive or lacking in subtlety when a gentler corrective action might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clamp down on" functions as a phrasal verb. It describes an action taken to suppress, restrict, or control something, often by an authority or organization. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clamp down on" is a very common phrasal verb used to describe actions taken to suppress, restrict, or control undesirable activities. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English, particularly in News & Media. Its usage is generally neutral, but can be adapted to professional or formal settings. To avoid monotony, consider using alternatives such as ""crack down on"", "restrict", or "curb". When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the appropriate level of force or control needed in the context to maintain precision and avoid sounding overly aggressive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crack down on

Replaces "clamp" with "crack", suggesting a more forceful and sudden action.

enforce stricter rules on

Emphasizes the enforcement of existing rules with greater rigor.

come down hard on

Implies a severe and punitive response.

curb

Suggests restraining or controlling something, often a negative trend.

tighten regulations on

Focuses on the regulatory aspect of control.

suppress

A more formal term indicating forceful prevention or repression.

put the brakes on

An idiomatic expression meaning to slow down or stop something.

take a hard line on

Indicates a firm and uncompromising approach.

restrict

A general term meaning to put a limit on something.

repress

Indicates a more severe form of suppression, often involving force.

FAQs

How to use "clamp down on" in a sentence?

You can use "clamp down on" to describe actions taken to stop or control something. For example, "The police are planning to "crack down on" illegal parking in the city center".

What can I say instead of "clamp down on"?

You can use alternatives like ""crack down on"", "restrict", or "curb" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "clamp down on" or "crack down on"?

Both "clamp down on" and ""crack down on"" are correct and widely used. They are often interchangeable, though ""crack down on"" may suggest a more forceful and immediate action.

What's the difference between "clamp down on" and "restrict"?

"Clamp down on" implies a more direct and forceful action to stop something, whereas "restrict" suggests setting limits or boundaries. For example, authorities might "clamp down on" illegal activities, while they might "restrict" the number of visitors to a park.