curbed

USAGE SUMMARY

"curbed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You could use it to describe an action of restraint or control, often in the phrase "to curb (something)." For example, "The city has implemented strict ordinances to curb the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rights groups say the government that replaced him has been anything but democratic – with more than a thousand dissidents killed, thousands more arrested, and the right to free assembly and free speech severely curbed.

The Guardian

Even before the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had put climate change on the international political map with a landmark speech in 1988, the company was doing ground-breaking work into photovoltaic solar panels, wave power and domestic energy efficiency as part of a wider drive to understand how greenhouse gas emissions could be curbed.

The Guardian

Jansen curbed his attacking instincts and penchant for getting caught out of position to turn in a convincing performance as a left-back while the South-Korean attacking midfielder Son Heung-min scored two excellent goals to defy his critics.

The Guardian - Sport

Chapman said junk food advertising needed to be curbed during TV programs popular with teenagers, and suggested it could be restricted before 9pm.

The Guardian

On the domestic front, the new leadership curbed corruption but economic growth continued to lag.

The Guardian

In November the US failed to pass the USA Freedom Act, a bill that would have curbed some aspects of surveillance but which Smith said would still have left major issues unaddressed.

The Guardian - Tech

That excitement is somewhat curbed by mummy packing the kids off with the genuinely sinister line: "Remember.

The Guardian - Film

But Sharif's power has been curbed by a series of bruising fights with Pakistan's powerful military establishment and the treason case now appears tied up in legal wrangling.

The Guardian

But unless factory-building is curbed, Bernstein reckons, this may fall to a loss-making 63% by 2016.

The Economist

Government spending was curbed to control the money supply, exchange controls were abolished and the currency was allowed to continue to float (rather than joining the new European Monetary System)—all decisive breaks with post-war orthodoxies.

The Economist

He demanded that June's general elections be held properly (Albanian election results are always disputed) and that recent nationalist rhetoric be curbed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curbed" to describe actions taken to limit or control something, especially when referring to policies, behaviors, or growth. For example, "The government curbed spending to reduce the deficit."

Common error

Avoid using "curbed" when you mean to describe a complete stop or elimination. "Curbed" implies a reduction or limitation, not a full cessation. If something is completely stopped, use words like "halted" or "eliminated".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "curbed" is as the past participle or past tense of the verb "curb". It is used to describe an action of limiting or controlling something as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curbed" functions as a verb form indicating that something has been limited or controlled. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in English, particularly within News & Media contexts. As such, "curbed" is best suited for describing scenarios where reduction or restraint is emphasized, rather than complete elimination. Alternatives include "restricted", "limited", and "controlled", which can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrained

Focuses on the act of holding back or controlling something, often emotions or impulses.

limited

Emphasizes setting a boundary or restriction on quantity, extent, or scope.

restricted

Highlights the imposition of rules or regulations that constrain actions or access.

controlled

Indicates the exercise of power to direct or regulate something.

suppressed

Suggests the forceful prevention of something from being expressed or developed.

checked

Implies a sudden stop or restraint to prevent further progress or development.

reined in

Emphasizes the action of controlling or restraining, often used metaphorically.

held back

Focuses on preventing someone or something from moving forward or progressing.

moderated

Suggests bringing something into a balanced or reasonable state.

mitigated

Highlights the reduction in severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "curbed" in a sentence?

You can use "curbed" to describe the action of restraining or controlling something. For example, "The new regulations "curbed emissions" from factories."

What is a good synonym for "curbed"?

Alternatives to "curbed" include "restricted", "limited", or "controlled", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "curbed" growth?

Yes, it is correct. "Curbed" is often used to describe the action of slowing down or limiting growth. For example, "High interest rates "curbed economic growth"."

What's the difference between "curbed" and "prevented"?

"Curbed" implies a reduction or limitation, while "prevented" means something was stopped entirely. For example, "The measures "curbed the spread" of the disease" suggests the spread was slowed, but "The measures prevented the spread of the disease" suggests it was stopped completely.