to curtail

USAGE SUMMARY

"to curtail" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about reducing something, usually in size or duration. For example, "The government has decided to curtail public spending by 10% in the next budget cycle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're going to curtail that.

The New York Times

And some want to curtail growth further.

The Economist

Both steps require ShoreBank to curtail lending.

The New York Times

But they are having to curtail expenditures.

The New Yorker

He's going to curtail it, no question".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Thompson wants to curtail it.

The New York Times

We don't want to curtail that".

The New York Times

Mr Wickremesinghe wants to curtail this power by constitutional amendment.

The Economist

"We're trying to take a proactive approach to curtail this".

The New York Times

There's a new law to curtail this kind of behavior.

The New York Times

Such assurances failed to curtail the rush of withdrawals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to curtail", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or limited. For instance, specify "to curtail spending" or "to curtail activities" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to curtail" without specifying what is being limited, as this can lead to ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The project was curtailed", specify "The project's budget was curtailed" or "The project's timeline was curtailed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to curtail" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows numerous examples where it introduces the objective of an action, such as "to curtail spending" or "to curtail activities".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to curtail" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the intention to reduce or limit something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts. With a neutral to formal register, it's suitable for news, academic, and professional writing. Common alternatives include "to reduce", "to limit", and "to restrict". Remember to specify what is being curtailed to avoid ambiguity, and consider the nuance of "to curtail"—a deliberate effort to cut back or restrain—when choosing it over similar phrases. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate the phrase "to curtail" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to diminish

Focuses on making something smaller in size or impact.

to lessen

Implies a reduction in degree, intensity, or amount.

to restrict

Emphasizes setting limits or boundaries.

to curb

Suggests restraining or holding something back.

to reduce

A general term for making something smaller or less.

to limit

Highlights the act of setting a maximum or boundary.

to restrain

Implies holding back or controlling something.

to abbreviate

Specifically refers to shortening something, often in length or duration.

to truncate

Suggests cutting something short or removing the end.

to suppress

Implies forcefully stopping or preventing something.

FAQs

How can I use "to curtail" in a sentence?

You can use "to curtail" to indicate a reduction or limitation. For example, "The company decided "to curtail expenses"" or "The new regulations aim "to curtail pollution"".

What are some alternatives to "to curtail"?

Some alternatives to "to curtail" include "to reduce", "to limit", "to restrict", or "to curb". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to curtail" or "to reduce"?

"To curtail" and "to reduce" are similar, but "to curtail" often implies a more forceful or decisive limitation. Use "to curtail" when you want to emphasize a deliberate effort to cut back or restrain something. "To reduce" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "to curtail" and "to suppress"?

"To curtail" means to reduce or limit, while "to suppress" means to forcefully stop or prevent something. "To curtail" is less forceful and doesn't necessarily imply complete elimination.