What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
curtailed
Example
The concert was curtailed due to the heavy rain. [curtailed: past tense verb]
Example
The company curtailed its expenses to save money. [curtailed: past participle adjective]
shortened
Example
The teacher shortened the essay assignment from five pages to three. [shortened: past tense verb]
Example
The movie was shortened for the airplane version. [shortened: past participle adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shortened is more commonly used than curtailed in everyday language. Shortened is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while curtailed is less common and often used in more formal or serious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between curtailed and shortened?
Curtailed is typically associated with a more formal or serious tone, while shortened can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
