curtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "curtain" is a valid and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it in a variety of situations. For example, you could write, "She opened the curtains, letting the warm sunlight spill into the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The curtain rose.

The Guardian

Just pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

The Guardian

But Obama made use of the historical setting to try to conjure the very same sort of shared values that brought western nations together when the iron curtain divided Europe; he announced plans to cut nuclear weapons.

The Guardian

This book, in combination with Sheldon's shower curtain in The Big Bang Theory, taught my son everything he knows about the elements of the periodic table.

The Guardian

"It's been a fun and frenetic journey for all who have had the privilege to work on mX over the years, and every single member of the mX family is gutted by the decision to pull down the curtain," mX's editor-in-chief, Craig Herbert, wrote.

The Guardian

The fall and light and shadow of the curtain is painted, an illusion.

The Guardian - Arts

He sits me down and pulls across a thin curtain to give us a modicum of privacy from the handful of waiting patients.

The Guardian

He often remained in the theatre, long after the curtain came down.

The Guardian

"The worst bit about this whole bloody production," says Kent, "is the curtain call.

The Guardian

If I have a criticism, it's that she gives the worst curtain calls.

The Guardian

The first major tournament he helped to win was at the Olympics in Finland in 1952, when the Hungarians belatedly came out from behind the iron curtain to show their skills.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "curtain" to describe a cloth barrier, whether for windows, stages, or metaphorical divisions.

Common error

Avoid overusing the metaphorical sense of "curtain" (e.g., "iron curtain") in contexts where a more precise term would be clearer and less clichéd.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "curtain" is as a noun, referring to a piece of material used to block light or view. As shown by Ludwig, it can also function as a verb, meaning to cover or conceal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "curtain" is a versatile noun with varied applications from literal descriptions to metaphorical representations. Ludwig AI indicates that its function extends beyond a noun to also serve as a verb, enhancing its flexibility. Frequently encountered in contexts like News & Media, Arts, and Sports reporting, the use of "curtain" maintains a neutral tone, fitting for a broad range of communications. When employing "curtain", consider whether the context calls for literal descriptive language or metaphorical representation to enhance readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drapery

Refers more generally to fabric hanging decoratively, often heavier than a simple "curtain".

drape

Similar to drapery, emphasizing the hanging and folding of the fabric.

screen

Implies a more solid or opaque barrier than a typical "curtain".

blind

Specifically refers to a window covering with slats or rollers.

shade

A simpler window covering, often made of paper or thin fabric.

veil

Suggests a thin, semi-transparent covering, often used metaphorically.

covering

A general term for anything that conceals or protects.

pall

Suggests a dark, heavy covering, often associated with death or mourning.

mantle

A metaphorical covering that conceals or protects.

arras

A rich tapestry or screen, often used to conceal a doorway or alcove.

FAQs

How is "curtain" used in a sentence?

The word "curtain" can be used to describe a piece of material used to block light or provide privacy, as in, "She drew the "curtain" to block out the morning sun."

What can I say instead of "curtain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "drape", "screen", or "blind".

Which is correct, "curtain" or "drapery"?

Both "curtain" and "drapery" are correct, but "curtain" generally refers to a lighter fabric, while "drapery" suggests a heavier, more elaborate fabric.

What does it mean to "draw the curtain"?

To "draw the "curtain"" means to close it, typically to block light or provide privacy. It can also metaphorically mean to end something, like a performance or event.