curtailed match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curtailed match" is not commonly used in written English, but it is grammatically correct.
It can be used to describe a match or event that has been shortened or limited in duration or scope. Example: "Due to the rain, the curtailed match ended before the scheduled time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He removed both openers for seven in the second innings before rain curtailed the match, leaving Lindwall with match figures of 7/73.

Wikipedia

They were 1/120 with Lindwall wicketless as rain curtailed the match.

Wikipedia

However, rain curtailed the match and turned the playing surface into a sticky wicket hostile to batting.

Wikipedia

Rain curtailed the match, and the game did not reach the second innings; Harvey made 22 in his only opportunity.

Wikipedia

As a team, the Australians were greeted by record crowds and gate receipts across the country, even when wet weather curtailed the matches.

Wikipedia

A fortnight later, Harvey again captained the team and made a duck in his only innings in a rain-curtailed match.

Wikipedia

After going wicketless in a rain-curtailed match for his state against England, Toshack was selected to make his Ashes debut in the First Test at Brisbane.

Wikipedia

It was another rain-affected draw in a wet summer, Woodfull followed this with 156 in another weather-curtailed match against Surrey.

Wikipedia

The referee Stuart Dougal mercifully curtailed the pre-match tribute to 24 seconds as Edinburgh fans jeered.

The Guardian - Sport

Naismith's match was curtailed before the mid-point of the first half.

BBC

The South Group's bottom sides Middlesex and Gloucestershire shared the points as their T20 Blast match was curtailed by rain.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sporting event affected by external factors like weather or injury, consider using more common alternatives like "shortened match" or "interrupted match" to enhance clarity for your audience.

Common error

While "curtailed match" is grammatically sound, it's not widely used. Using it frequently might make your writing sound unnatural or overly formal. Opt for more familiar expressions unless you have a specific stylistic reason to use "curtailed match".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curtailed match" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "curtailed" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "match". While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI suggests, its infrequent usage implies that it's a less common way to describe a game or event that has been shortened.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically correct, the phrase "curtailed match" is rarely used in contemporary English. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound, but its limited presence across various sources suggests that more common alternatives like "shortened match" or "interrupted match" are generally preferred for clarity and naturalness. When writing, consider your audience and the specific context before opting for "curtailed match", as it may come across as overly formal or unfamiliar to some.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Shortened match

Replaces "curtailed" with a more common synonym, focusing on the reduced length of the match.

Abbreviated match

Suggests the match was made shorter, often implying a formal or official reduction in time.

Reduced match

Emphasizes the decrease in the match's duration or scope.

Interrupted match

Highlights that the match was stopped before its natural conclusion, without necessarily implying shortening.

Cut short match

Suggests a sudden or premature ending to the match.

Prematurely ended match

Focuses on the match concluding earlier than expected.

Terminated match

Implies a more definitive and possibly unexpected end to the match.

Match cut short

Reorders the words, focusing on the action done to the match, rather than its state.

Partially completed match

Focuses on the fact that the match was not fully finished.

Match brought to an early close

More formal and descriptive way of saying that the match ended sooner than expected.

FAQs

What does "curtailed match" mean?

A "curtailed match" refers to a game or sporting event that has been shortened or ended prematurely, often due to circumstances like bad weather or unforeseen incidents. Alternatives include "shortened match" or "abbreviated match".

What are some synonyms for "curtailed match"?

Synonyms for "curtailed match" include "shortened match", "reduced match", "interrupted match", and "cut short match". The best choice depends on the specific reason for the match's early ending.

Is it better to say "curtailed match" or "shortened match"?

While both are grammatically correct, ""shortened match"" is generally preferred due to its wider usage and clarity. "Curtailed match" might sound overly formal or less familiar to some audiences.

How can I use "curtailed match" in a sentence?

You can use "curtailed match" in a sentence like: "The game became a "curtailed match" due to the heavy rain." However, using "shortened match" might sound more natural to many people.