curtail the need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curtail the need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing reducing or limiting a requirement or necessity for something. Example: "The new policy aims to curtail the need for excessive paperwork in our processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In classic Lutheran teaching, the salvation of the believer "by faith alone" does not curtail the need for constant charitable good works, as ill-informed critics allege.

The New York Times

Yet another movement for change comes from efforts by the nation's county recorders to agree on a uniform way to store property records online, which could severely curtail the need for title insurers.

Forbes

Two of her favorite stocks in the sector are Limited Brands, whose Victoria's Secret beauty gift baskets and pajamas should more than double same-store sales growth to 8%, and Aeropostale, whose new focus on premium products will curtail the need for price promotions.

Forbes

Unless someone has a better idea, repealing the corporate income tax with a 5% value added tax will curtail the need to off-shore and reduce the deficit.

Huffington Post

On Friday, September 23, President Barack Obama announced that his administration's amendments to the No Child Left Behind Act would curtail the need for educators to "teach to the test".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

One 100-ml bolus of 20% lipid emulsion followed by a further 400 ml over 30 min was administered with restoration of haemodynamic stability, thereby curtailing the need for ongoing vasopressor medications.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

In this case there was a rapid and marked haemodynamic improvement following ILE infusion, curtailing the anticipated need for further vasopressor medications.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

She spoke with particular conviction about the need to curtail the power of Pakistan's intelligence services.

The New Yorker

Glenn Beck delivered his first speech from his Oval Office replica set on Wednesday, speaking about the need to curtail the power of Washington, D.C. Beck had posted pictures of himself in what appeared to be the Oval Office over the weekend.

Huffington Post

These findings highlight the need to curtail the smoking epidemic and limit second-hand smoke exposure in Spain.

BMC Public Health

The main weakness was the need to curtail the study 1 year early due to electronic game technology changes, specifically the widespread introduction during late 2010 of new active electronic game devices Xbox Kinect and PlayStation Move.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "curtail the need", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or changes will lead to the reduction or elimination of the need. For example, "Implementing stricter energy efficiency standards will curtail the need for new power plants."

Common error

Avoid using "curtail the need" when the intention is to address the symptoms rather than the root cause of the need. Curtailing should aim at a more fundamental reduction, not just a temporary fix.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curtail the need" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to reduce or limit a necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it used to describe policy changes, technological advancements, or strategic decisions that lessen requirements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "curtail the need" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies reducing or eliminating a requirement or necessity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts and in scientific discussions. While relatively rare, it's suitable for neutral to formal registers and effectively communicates the idea of proactive reduction. Alternatives include "reduce the need" and "eliminate the need", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what measures are taken to achieve the curtailment. Avoid using it for mere symptom management rather than fundamental reduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease the need

Replaces "curtail" with a more general term for reducing the necessity.

reduce the need

Similar to "decrease the need", but slightly more common and versatile.

eliminate the need

Indicates a complete removal of the necessity, a stronger effect than "curtail".

diminish the need

Implies making the need smaller or less significant.

alleviate the need

Focuses on easing or lessening the burden of the need, rather than directly reducing it.

prevent the need

Focuses on stopping the need from arising in the first place.

mitigate the need

Similar to "alleviate", focusing on reducing the severity or impact of the need.

cut the need

A more informal way to express reducing the necessity.

impede the need

Highlights obstruction or delay, rather than complete reduction.

undermine the need

Suggests weakening or eroding the basis for the need.

FAQs

How can I use "curtail the need" in a sentence?

You can use "curtail the need" to describe actions or strategies that reduce or eliminate a requirement. For example, "Investing in preventative healthcare can "curtail the need" for expensive treatments later on."

What are some alternatives to "curtail the need"?

Some alternatives include "reduce the need", "decrease the need", or "eliminate the need", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "curtail the need for" or "curtail the need of"?

"Curtail the need for" is the more common and grammatically sound construction. "Curtail the need of" is less frequently used and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "curtail the need" and "address the need"?

"Curtail the need" implies reducing or eliminating the need itself, while "address the need" means taking action to satisfy or resolve an existing need. One focuses on prevention or reduction, the other on management or fulfillment.