What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curtail
Example
The company had to curtail its spending due to financial difficulties. [curtail: verb]
Example
The government decided to curtail the number of visitors to the national park. [curtailed: past tense]
shorten
Example
Can you please shorten this essay to 500 words? [shorten: verb]
Example
The meeting was shortened due to a lack of time. [shortened: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shorten is more commonly used than curtail in everyday language. Shorten is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while curtail is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curtail and shorten?
Curtail is a more formal word that is typically used in professional or academic settings. Shorten is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
