shorten

USAGE SUMMARY

'shorten' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the act of making something or becoming shorter. Example sentence: "I had to shorten the hem on my dress for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Shorten said the government should not wait for the virus to reach Australian shores before acting.

The Guardian

Shorten said they were a "new low" for the government.

The Guardian

Shorten contests that the 2014 federal budget did not fail because it was "too exciting, too visionary or too bold", but rather that major policy objectives stalled in the Senate because they were "fundamentally unfair".

The Guardian

Shorten criticised Abbott's reaction to the parliamentary questions, saying the prime minister was "entering dangerous territory if he continues to ignore his chief economic adviser like this".

The Guardian

Shorten, who has long been touted as a future Labor leader, has also said he is undecided but would stand if there was no other contender.

The Guardian

Shorten said the government under both Rudd and Gillard achieved a lot, but just "let our division overshadow it".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.03pm AEST05:03 Bill Shorten asks Abbott: A single income family on $65,000 with two kids will be $6000 worse off due to budget measures, including the family tax benefit B. Abbott says it is a result of Labor's debt and deficit.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 3.00pm AEST06:00 Real solutions for all Australians Bill Shorten taunts Abbott.

The Guardian

Bill Shorten said former New South Wales premier Neville Wran "kept the light on the hill burning brightly for Labor" as it was announced Wran will be given a state funeral.

The Guardian

Plibersek will raise the issue at July's ALP national conference, putting her at odds with the party's leader, Bill Shorten, and other members of the frontbench.

The Guardian

Fairness, honesty and suitability of policy must be at the heart of next week's budget so that the document does not tank like last year's, the opposition leader Bill Shorten was set to argue in his major pre-budget address.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shorten", be mindful of the context. It's suitable for various situations, from reducing the length of a garment to condensing a speech. Choose it when you want a general term for making something shorter.

Common error

Avoid using "shorten" when a more specific verb is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "shorten the document", consider "summarize the document" or "abridge the document" if you're removing content while preserving the main ideas.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shorten" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object to reduce its length, duration, or extent. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shorten" is a versatile verb meaning to make something shorter in length, duration, or extent. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as in discussions about sports. While generally neutral in tone, more precise verbs might be required in formal or scientific writing. When using "shorten", consider the specific meaning you want to convey and whether a more descriptive alternative like "abbreviate" or "condense" would be more appropriate. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "shorten" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make shorter

A direct and simple way of expressing the act of reducing length.

Cut short

Implies an abrupt or premature ending.

Abbreviate

Specifically refers to shortening words or phrases.

Reduce

A broader term that means to lessen in size, amount, or degree.

Contract

Suggests reducing in size by drawing together.

Condense

Implies making something more compact.

Trim

Suggests removing excess or unwanted parts to reduce length or size.

Abridge

Implies shortening by omitting some parts, while retaining the main idea.

Curtail

Suggests reducing or restricting something.

Lessen

A general term for making something less.

FAQs

How can I use "shorten" in a sentence?

You can use "shorten" to describe making something shorter in length, duration, or extent. For example, "I need to "shorten this skirt"" or "Let's "shorten the meeting" to one hour".

What words can I use instead of "shorten"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reduce", "abbreviate", "condense", or "cut short".

Is there a difference between "shorten" and "abridge"?

"Shorten" is a general term for making something less long. "Abridge" specifically means to "shorten a text" or speech while retaining the core content.

When is it appropriate to use "shorten"?

Use "shorten" when you want a general term for reducing length, duration, or size. It's appropriate when the specific method of reduction isn't important, or when you're referring to physically making something shorter, like a piece of clothing.