he curtailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he curtailed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has reduced, limited, or restricted something, such as an activity or a resource. Example: "He curtailed his spending to save for a new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And he curtailed his spring schedule at the Met.

The New York Times - Arts

For everyone's comfort, he curtailed his afternoon sermon of January 3 , 1692

The New Yorker

However, studio head Louis B. Mayer was reportedly appalled when he saw it, and he curtailed its distribution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recognizing the dangers of military coups, he curtailed the influence of the army in Mexico's political life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As chief executive of the NNL, he curtailed the excessive trading of players to establish some parity of talent between the clubs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the death of his wife in 1920, he curtailed his music writing severely, and in 1929 he returned to Worcestershire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Will he curtail First Amendment protections on free speech, the press, and religious freedom as his actions on the campaign trail suggest?

Huffington Post

When he assumed his kingship, he immediately curtailed the autonomy of the satrapies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has curtailed international operations and is selling Brooks Brothers.

The New York Times

He's curtailed his attacking instincts just enough to be the perfect player for the situation.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, his commitment to victory this week is such that he has curtailed his favourite pre-tournament activity - signing autographs.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he curtailed" when you want to emphasize a deliberate reduction or restriction, often in a formal or official context. For example, "He curtailed spending to balance the budget."

Common error

Avoid using "he curtailed" in everyday, informal conversation. Simpler alternatives like "he reduced" or "he cut back on" are usually more appropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he curtailed" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a male subject has intentionally reduced or limited something. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this can apply to various actions, schedules, or resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he curtailed" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe a deliberate reduction or limitation enacted by a male subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, particularly in neutral to professional contexts such as news articles and encyclopedias. While "he curtailed" is less common in everyday speech, alternatives like "he reduced" or "he limited" can be suitable substitutes in informal settings. Remember to employ "he curtailed" when emphasizing a conscious effort to diminish or restrict something, especially in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he reduced

Focuses on a general decrease, without necessarily implying a restriction.

he limited

Emphasizes setting a boundary or maximum.

he restricted

Highlights the imposition of rules or constraints.

he decreased

Similar to 'reduced' but can also refer to quantities.

he diminished

Suggests a gradual lessening in importance or size.

he lessened

Implies a reduction in intensity or severity.

he cut back on

More informal, suggesting a deliberate reduction in spending or consumption.

he scaled down

Implies a reduction in size or scope.

he trimmed

Suggests a small or precise reduction.

he reined in

Implies control and limitation, often of spending or behavior.

FAQs

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

Use "he curtailed" to indicate that someone has deliberately reduced or limited something. For example, "He curtailed his travel schedule due to health concerns."

What are some alternatives to "he curtailed"?

You can use alternatives like "he reduced", "he limited", or "he cut back on" depending on the context.

Is "he curtailed" formal or informal?

"He curtailed" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler phrases might be preferred.

What's the difference between "he curtailed" and "he reduced"?

While both indicate a decrease, "he curtailed" often implies a more deliberate and controlled reduction, whereas "he reduced" is a more general term for any decrease.