curtailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "curtailing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of reducing, limiting, or restricting something. Example: "The new policy is aimed at curtailing unnecessary expenses within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Cameron has given Michael Gove the task of scrapping the Human Rights Act and curtailing the role of the European court of human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

As well as deploying "Task Force Mediterranean", which includes two fixed-wing surveillance aircraft and three patrol vessels in Operation Triton, ministers agreed a series of North African measures including finding ways of curtailing the supply of vessels from Tunisia and Egypt used by people smugglers.

The Guardian

However, addressing demand through policy (regulation) and transition (efficiencies and alternatives) will have a far greater impact on curtailing carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions.

The Guardian

What no one debated at the time were the implications of closing ancient public highways and curtailing public access and democratic protest.

The Guardian - Opinion

To feel comfortable curtailing unconventional policy, central banks must make sure that the probabilities of nasty tail risks themselves have fallen.

The Economist

"This clearly shows that consumers are not curtailing their driving and transportation needs at this point, and this trend should continue this summer".It's clear that demand is falling in America though not, it appears, by as much as we might have expected or hoped.

The Economist

Other species, when their circumstances improve, react by raising their reproductive rate, not curtailing it.

The Economist

It will respond by tightening policy, either by raising the nominal interest rate or curtailing other stimulative actions in order to bring expected inflation back down to 2%.

The Economist

Although Mr Estrada took office only in June last year, he is being accused of three abuses reminiscent of the Marcos years: plotting to amend the constitution to extend his presidency, at present limited to one six-year term; tolerating cronyism; and curtailing the freedom of the press.

The Economist

A senior Labour MP accuses the Speaker of killing debate by curtailing speeches and of filling the Commons with tour guides and outreach workers, until "it feels like a sort of parliamentary Disneyland-on-Thames".

The Economist

AMONG those cutting corners and moaning about the dismal economy, there's at least one group that hasn't got the message about curtailing travel costs: children going to summer camp.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "curtailing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or limited, as it implies a deliberate action to decrease something.

Common error

Avoid using "curtailing" when a complete elimination is intended. "Curtailing" suggests a reduction, not a full stop. For complete removal, consider using "eliminating" or "abolishing" instead.

Linguistic Context

"Curtailing" functions as a present participle or gerund, typically modifying a verb or noun. It describes an ongoing action of reducing or limiting something. Ludwig AI shows frequent use in contexts where actions are being actively lessened.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curtailing" is a versatile term used to describe the act of reducing or limiting something. It is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correctly and widely used. While alternatives like "reducing" or "limiting" exist, "curtailing" specifically implies a deliberate effort to decrease something. When using "curtailing", clarity is key to ensure the scope and intent of the reduction are well understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reducing

Focuses on lessening in amount, degree, or intensity.

limiting

Highlights setting a boundary or restriction on extent, amount, or access.

restricting

Emphasizes imposing a rule or regulation that prevents free action or movement.

cutting back

Implies a decrease in spending or consumption, often due to financial constraints.

slowing down

Focuses on decreasing the speed or pace of an activity or process.

reining in

Suggests controlling or restraining something that is becoming excessive or unruly.

scaling back

Indicates reducing the size, scope, or extent of a project or operation.

clamping down on

Implies taking firm and decisive action to suppress or prevent something.

moderating

Suggests making something less extreme or intense.

tempering

Emphasizes softening the effect or impact of something.

FAQs

How can I use "curtailing" in a sentence?

You can use "curtailing" to describe the action of reducing or limiting something. For example: "The company is "curtailing expenses"" or "The new law aims at "curtailing pollution"".

What are some alternatives to the word "curtailing"?

Alternatives to "curtailing" include "reducing", "limiting", "restricting", or "cutting back", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "curtailing" when referring to a temporary reduction?

Yes, "curtailing" can be used for both temporary and permanent reductions, but it's important to clarify the duration if the reduction is indeed temporary.

What is the difference between "curtailing" and "eliminating"?

"Curtailing" implies a reduction or limitation, while "eliminating" suggests complete removal. "Curtailing" is suitable when something is being reduced, whereas "eliminating" is used when something is being entirely removed.