curtail it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curtail it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest reducing, limiting, or cutting back on something. Example: "Due to budget constraints, we may need to curtail it to ensure we stay within our financial limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The ritual of oral suction — or in Hebrew, metzitzah b'peh — is practiced almost exclusively in ultra-Orthodox communities and, to a lesser degree, in Orthodox Jewish communities, despite efforts by the city to curtail it and educate communities about its health risks.

The New York Times

We hope that by doing this we will halt the current outbreak in its tracks, or at least severely curtail it".

The Guardian

He's going to curtail it, no question".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Thompson wants to curtail it.

The New York Times

If you don't curtail it now it will be out of control".

Independent

It has survived, with modifications, many attempts to curtail it over the years.

The New York Times

"Being over-confident sometimes can be a dangerous thing and you've got to curtail it.

Independent

"It is possible to postpone or curtail it for a little while.

The New York Times

A pro-poverty policy would encourage such migration rather than seek to curtail it.

The Guardian

I will continue to curtail it and play less and less".

The New York Times - Sports

H.I.V. is scary, and all attempts to curtail it via lily-livered nicey-nicey 'prevention' tactics have failed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curtail it" when you want to suggest a reduction or limitation, often in response to something undesirable, such as spending, growth, or freedom. For example: "The company decided to curtail it's marketing budget due to lower-than-expected sales."

Common error

Avoid using "curtail it" in overly casual contexts. While generally acceptable, it carries a slightly more formal tone than alternatives like "cut it back". Choose synonyms appropriate to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curtail it" functions as a verb phrase, with "curtail" acting as a transitive verb requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and functions to express the action of limiting or reducing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "curtail it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that implies reducing or limiting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits well within neutral to professional registers, particularly in news and media contexts. While "curtail it" isn't overly formal, writers should favor simpler synonyms in very casual settings. To avoid common writing errors, ensure it suits the context's formality. Consider alternatives like "reduce it" or "limit it" for greater simplicity. Remember that to "curtail it" means to reduce, not to eliminate, something entirely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reduce it

Directly replaces "curtail" with a simpler synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

Limit it

Another straightforward synonym for "curtail", focusing on setting a boundary.

Cut it back

Emphasizes a reduction in quantity or extent.

Scale it down

Suggests reducing the size or scope of something.

Restrain it

Focuses on controlling or holding back something.

Curb it

Similar to restrain, but often used for controlling undesirable behavior or trends.

Decrease it

Implies a gradual reduction in amount or intensity.

Diminish it

Suggests a reduction in importance or effectiveness.

Hold it back

Focuses on preventing something from progressing or developing.

Keep it in check

Emphasizes maintaining control to prevent something from becoming excessive.

FAQs

How can I use "curtail it" in a sentence?

You can use "curtail it" to describe the act of reducing or limiting something. For example: "The government is trying to "curtail it"'s spending on unnecessary projects."

What are some alternatives to "curtail it"?

Some alternatives to "curtail it" include "reduce it", "limit it", or "cut it back" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "curtail it" formal or informal?

"Curtail it" is generally considered to be somewhat formal. In very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "curtail it" and "eliminate it"?

"Curtail it" means to reduce or limit something, while "eliminate it" means to completely remove it. Curtailing implies a partial reduction, while eliminating implies a complete cessation.