put under curfew

USAGE SUMMARY

"put under curfew" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an enforced shut-down of a certain area or restriction of an individual's movement. For example, "Local authorities have put the city under curfew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The city was put under curfew.

The Economist

The new village of Walajeh was put under curfew today.

The New York Times

Palestinians reported later that three villages in the area had been put under curfew.

The New York Times

Israeli troops pursuing the gunmen carried out searches in Yatta, which was put under curfew, the army said.

The New York Times

Seattle was put under curfew as the mayor declared a civil emergency and the governor sent in the National Guard.Yet most of the protests were peaceful.

The Economist

The gunmen were believed to have escaped to the nearby Palestinian village of Yatta, which was put under curfew today and searched.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The future of Tpims, which replaced the discredited system of control orders under which terror suspects could be put under curfews of up to 16 hours a day, was the last remaining element in the counter-terror package to be introduced next week to tackle the problem of foreign fighters returning from Syria and Iraq.

The Guardian

Now the men in the blue helmets have been warned against "misconduct that could undermine the work of the mission" and have been put under a curfew.

The Guardian

The intercommunal violence has so far displaced over 12,000 people.Meiktila, between Mandalay and the new capital of Naypyidaw, was put under a curfew, together with three nearby townships.

The Economist

I know from watching them and seeing them, they're actually not". The England players were put under a curfew after news of Bairstow's "headbutt" emerged during the first Test in Brisbane in November.

BBC

At least five cities, including Hebron, south of Jerusalem, were put under total curfew.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put under curfew", ensure the context clearly indicates who is imposing the curfew and on whom or what it is being imposed. For example, specify "The city was put under curfew by the mayor" rather than simply "The city was put under curfew."

Common error

A common mistake is using singular verbs with plural subjects. For example, avoid saying "The villages was put under curfew". Instead, use the correct plural form: "The villages were put under curfew".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put under curfew" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject (typically a location or group) is receiving the action of being restricted. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is correct and commonly found in written English. The phrase is used to describe a state of imposed restriction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put under curfew" is a commonly used phrase, correctly applied to denote the imposition of movement restrictions by an authority, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to inform the public about security measures during emergencies or periods of unrest. To enhance clarity, specify who is imposing the curfew and on whom or what it is imposed. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, remember to maintain subject-verb agreement in your sentences. For alternative expressions, consider "impose a curfew" or "enforce a curfew", depending on your desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impose a curfew

Focuses on the act of imposing the restriction, rather than the state of being restricted.

enforce a curfew

Highlights the active enforcement of the curfew by authorities.

place under house arrest

Refers specifically to confinement within one's own home, a more restrictive measure.

lock down

A more general term for restricting movement in an area, often used in emergency situations.

restrict movement

A broader phrase that encompasses various limitations on mobility.

declare a state of emergency

Indicates a broader set of restrictions and heightened security measures.

impose restrictions

A more general way to speak about the same concept using a slightly different wording.

confine to quarters

Commonly used in military contexts to restrict personnel to their living areas.

grounded

Most commonly used when referring to children.

subject to a restraining order

Involves a legal order to prevent someone from contacting or approaching another person.

FAQs

How is "put under curfew" generally used?

The phrase "put under curfew" is typically used in news and media to describe a situation where authorities enforce restrictions on movement, usually during emergencies, civil unrest, or security threats. For example, "The city was "put under curfew" after riots broke out".

What does it mean when an area is "put under curfew"?

When an area is "put under curfew", it means that residents are required to stay indoors during specific hours, as mandated by authorities. This measure aims to maintain order and security during times of crisis. Violators may face penalties.

What can I say instead of "put under curfew"?

You can use alternatives like "impose a curfew", "enforce a curfew", or "lock down" depending on the specific context. Each term has slightly different connotations but conveys a similar meaning of restricted movement.

What are common reasons for a city to be "put under curfew"?

Cities are often "put under curfew" due to civil unrest, natural disasters, public health emergencies, or significant security threats. The goal is to limit movement and potential for further disruption or danger. These measures are typically temporary.