curtail use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curtail use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reduction or limitation of the use of something, such as resources or practices. Example: "To promote sustainability, we need to curtail use of single-use plastics in our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Even if new regulations curtail use of flame retardants, Walker said the chemicals will stay with us a long time.

Huffington Post

The fund will also ask Chesapeake to reduce its capital expenditures and curtail use of its corporate jet fleet.

The New York Times

Perhaps testing in baseball will curtail use, but what about the students, doctors, lawyers, soldiers and others with full time, high-stress jobs who may abuse these drugs?

The New York Times

Trauma surgeons were among the most enthusiastic early adopters of Factor VIIa, but they were also among the first to curtail use.

The New York Times - Health

"Family physicians can safely and reliably administer the tests," said Dr. Keith Lehman, an official with the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, which has been fighting efforts by the Medicare administrator in that state to curtail use of the tests.

The New York Times

In a move that was praised by human rights advocates, China vowed to close labor re-education camps, ease restrictions of its "one-child" policy, and curtail use of capital punishment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But each of those drugs has side effects that have curtailed use.

The New York Times

Mr. Pullan said the academy was curtailing use of the isolation rooms.

The New York Times

They said it was also the first to document an improvement in birth size from curtailing use of a pesticide.

The New York Times

The agency in 2005 curtailed use of AstraZeneca's lung cancer drug, Iressa, when trials showed it did not prolong survival.

The New York Times

The difficult access curtailed use of heavy equipment.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for environmental responsibility, use "curtail use" to encourage reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources.

Common error

Avoid using "curtail use" in casual conversation; opt for simpler terms like "reduce" or "limit" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curtail use" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "curtail" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (in this case, "use"). It describes the act of reducing or limiting the application or consumption of something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curtail use" is a grammatically sound phrase that advocates for reducing or limiting something's application or consumption. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Although not extremely common, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, remember that while "curtail use" effectively conveys a need for limitation, more informal situations might call for simpler alternatives like "reduce" or "limit". Key sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its relevance in professional and well-informed discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curb consumption

Mirrors "curtail use" but is more directly associated with managing intake or expenditure.

reduce consumption

Focuses on the act of lessening the amount used, particularly concerning resources or goods.

limit application

Emphasizes restricting the scope or extent to which something is applied or utilized.

decrease utilization

Highlights a decline in the rate at which something is put to practical use.

minimize reliance

Stresses reducing dependency on something, shifting away from its use.

restrict employment

Suggests a controlled reduction in the ways or instances something is employed.

moderate usage

Implies a tempered or measured approach to how frequently or intensely something is used.

scale back implementation

Indicates a reduction in the extent or pace at which a plan or system is put into effect.

cut back on application

Indicates reducing the extent to which something is put to practical use.

downsize expenditure

Specifically refers to lessening the amount of money spent or resources allocated.

FAQs

How can I effectively "curtail use" of single-use plastics?

You can "curtail use" of single-use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives, such as water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers. Supporting businesses that minimize plastic packaging and advocating for policies that "reduce waste" are also effective strategies.

What's the difference between "curtail use" and "reduce usage"?

"Curtail use" suggests a deliberate effort to limit or restrict the application or consumption of something, often due to necessity or a specific goal. "Reduce usage", on the other hand, is a more general term that simply indicates a decrease in the amount used. While similar, "curtail use" carries a stronger connotation of intentional constraint.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "curtail use"?

The phrase "curtail use" is appropriate in formal contexts, such as policy discussions, environmental advocacy, and business strategies, where there's a need to formally reduce the use of a resource or practice. It's often used when discussing limitations imposed by regulations or sustainability efforts.

What are some alternatives to "curtail use" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "reduce consumption", "limit application", or "decrease utilization". These phrases offer similar meanings while providing variety in your writing.