it was curtailed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was curtailed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or event that has been shortened or limited in some way. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event was curtailed, and we had to end it earlier than planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The previous year it was curtailed by fog.

The Economist

It was curtailed somewhat abruptly late on Monday night when the Blackpool Supporters Association called for his sacking.

The Guardian - Sport

Just as Everton's bid to snap out of their torpor was gaining momentum, however, it was curtailed by a third United goal that killed the contest.

The Guardian - Sport

Surveys were conducted at six intervals in Trust A, and three in Trust B, where it was curtailed due to administrative difficulties following a change of Director of Nursing.

BMC Health Services Research

The median follow-up of the 204 patients was 118 months even though it was curtailed at 8 years when only about 12% patients were lost to follow-up.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Hewlett-Packard said it was curtailing further contributions to its defined-benefits plan.

The New York Times

Last month, Ford announced it was curtailing leasing in Rhode Island.

The New York Times

Earlier this month the government announced that it was curtailing the regulator's powers.

The Guardian

Indeed, the impetus for the market rally was the announcement by Phelps Dodge on Oct. 23 that it was curtailing copper production by 220,000 metric tons a year.

The New York Times

The administration said in April that it was curtailing many of those programs because of concerns about Moscow's compliance with treaties banning chemical and biological weapons.

The New York Times

But on Tuesday, the Pentagon said that because of dwindling stocks of the vaccine, it was curtailing the program to cover only military personnel it considered most at risk: those deployed near the borders of Iraq and North Korea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was curtailed", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For instance, specify the event, process, or activity being shortened or limited.

Common error

While "it was curtailed" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "it was shortened", "it was limited", or "it was restricted" to maintain variety and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was curtailed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject (represented by "it") underwent a process of reduction or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was curtailed" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating that something has been shortened, limited, or reduced in scope. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by real-world examples predominantly from news and scientific sources, shows its suitability for neutral to formal contexts. While semantically related phrases like "it was shortened" or "it was limited" may offer more precise descriptions depending on the context, "it was curtailed" remains a valuable option for describing an action or process that has been brought to a premature conclusion. Proper attention to clarity and context ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was shortened

Focuses on the reduction in length or duration, emphasizing the time aspect.

it was limited

Emphasizes the restriction placed on its scope, extent, or degree.

it was restricted

Highlights the imposition of constraints or boundaries, often by external forces.

it was cut short

Implies an abrupt or unexpected termination, often before reaching its natural conclusion.

it was diminished

Suggests a reduction in size, importance, or quality.

it was impeded

Highlights the obstruction or hindrance of its progress or development.

it was suppressed

Implies the forceful prevention of its expression, manifestation, or continuation.

it was checked

Focuses on stopping or slowing down its momentum or advancement.

it was truncated

Emphasizes a sudden cut off, resulting in an incomplete state.

it was abridged

Suggests a condensed or shortened version, often by removing non-essential parts.

FAQs

How can I use "it was curtailed" in a sentence?

Use "it was curtailed" to indicate that something has been reduced, limited, or cut short. For example, "The budget was curtailed due to unforeseen expenses" or "The project's scope was curtailed to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "it was curtailed"?

You can use alternatives like "it was shortened", "it was limited", or "it was restricted" depending on the context.

Is "it was curtailed" formal or informal?

"It was curtailed" leans towards formal usage, particularly in professional, news or academic contexts. For more informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "it was curtailed" and "it was restricted"?

"It was curtailed" implies a reduction in scope or duration, while "it was restricted" suggests limitations or boundaries were imposed. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a shortening or a limitation.