Curtail vs Entail: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Are you confused about when to use curtail vs entail? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between curtail and entail, so you can use them confidently and accurately in your writing.

Let’s clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use in different contexts. Curtail means to reduce or limit something, while entail means to involve or require something as a necessary part or consequence. So, if you want to express the idea of cutting back or restricting something, you should use curtail. On the other hand, if you want to convey the idea of something being necessary or connected to another thing, you should use entail.

Now that we’ve established the basic definitions of curtail and entail, let’s delve deeper into their meanings and usage in different contexts.

Define Curtail

Curtail is a verb that means to reduce or limit something, often by cutting it short or stopping it before it is complete. It can also refer to reducing the length of something, such as a speech or a book.

For example, a company may curtail its spending in order to save money, or a teacher may curtail a lesson plan due to time constraints.

Define Entail

Entail is a verb that means to involve or require something as a necessary part or consequence. It can also refer to a legal term that involves restricting the inheritance of property to a specific group of people.

For example, a successful business may entail hard work and dedication, or a job may entail certain responsibilities and duties. In terms of inheritance, a will may entail that a certain property can only be passed down to direct descendants.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word for a sentence is crucial in conveying the desired meaning. The words “curtail” and “entail” are often confused for one another, but they have distinct definitions and uses. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Curtail” In A Sentence

The word “curtail” means to reduce or limit something. It is often used in the context of cutting back or decreasing something. Here are some examples of how to use “curtail” in a sentence:

• The company had to curtail its spending in order to stay within budget.
• The government has proposed a plan to curtail greenhouse gas emissions.
• Due to the pandemic, the school had to curtail its extracurricular activities.

As you can see, “curtail” is used to describe a reduction or limitation of something. It is important to use this word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

How To Use “Entail” In A Sentence

The word “entail” means to involve or require something as a necessary part or consequence. It is often used in the context of describing a necessary step or action. Here are some examples of how to use “entail” in a sentence:

• Completing this project will entail working overtime.
• Starting a new business entails taking on a certain amount of risk.
• Learning a new language entails a lot of practice and dedication.

As you can see, “entail” is used to describe a necessary step or action that is required in order to achieve a certain outcome. It is important to use this word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

More Examples Of Curtail & Entail Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the differences between “curtail” and “entail,” it can be helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of both words used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Curtail In A Sentence

• The company had to curtail its production due to a shortage of materials.
• He had to curtail his vacation because of a family emergency.
• The school board voted to curtail the budget for extracurricular activities.
• The government implemented measures to curtail the spread of the virus.
• The airline decided to curtail its flights to certain destinations because of low demand.
• The CEO announced plans to curtail spending in order to boost profits.
• The city council voted to curtail the use of fireworks within city limits.
• The coach had to curtail practice due to a thunderstorm.
• The company decided to curtail its advertising budget in order to focus on product development.
• The restaurant had to curtail its hours of operation because of staffing issues.

Examples Of Using Entail In A Sentence

• Buying a house entails a significant financial commitment.
• Completing the project will entail working overtime for several weeks.
• Going to college entails a lot of hard work and dedication.
• Starting a business entails taking on a lot of risk.
• Getting a driver’s license entails passing a written and practical exam.
• Adopting a pet entails a lifelong commitment to care for the animal.
• Being a doctor entails years of education and training.
• Joining the military entails a willingness to serve your country.
• Traveling abroad entails obtaining a passport and possibly a visa.
• Being a parent entails a lot of responsibility and sacrifice.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to get confused between two words that sound similar or have similar meanings. One such pair of words that people often mix up are “curtail” and “entail.” Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these two words:

Using “Curtail” Instead Of “Entail”

One common mistake people make is using “curtail” when they actually mean “entail.” “Curtail” means to cut short or reduce, while “entail” means to involve or require. For example, “The budget cuts will curtail our ability to offer new services” is correct, but “The new project will curtail a lot of planning” is incorrect. Instead, you should use “entail” in this context, such as “The new project will entail a lot of planning.”

Using “Entail” Instead Of “Curtail”

Another common mistake is using “entail” when you actually mean “curtail.” This mistake often happens when people are trying to express the idea of reducing something. For example, “We need to entail our expenses to meet our budget” is incorrect. Instead, you should use “curtail,” such as “We need to curtail our expenses to meet our budget.”

Not Understanding The Difference Between The Two Words

Finally, some people use “curtail” and “entail” interchangeably because they don’t understand the difference between the two words. It’s important to remember that “curtail” means to reduce or cut short, while “entail” means to involve or require. If you’re not sure which word to use, take a moment to look up the definitions or examples of each word to make sure you’re using the right one.

Tips To Avoid Confusing The Two Words

Here are some tips to help you avoid making these common mistakes:

• Take time to learn the definitions and examples of each word.
• Double-check your writing to make sure you’re using the right word.
• If you’re still unsure, ask someone to proofread your work or look up the definitions again.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “curtail” and “entail” can be a tricky task, as the context in which they are used plays a significant role in determining their suitability. Both words have similar meanings, but their implications can differ depending on the situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let us take a closer look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “curtail” and “entail” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Business	The company needs to _______ expenses to increase profits.	curtail
Education	The new curriculum will _______ additional course requirements.	entail
Legal	The new law will _______ stricter penalties for offenders.	entail
Environmental	We need to _______ carbon emissions to combat climate change.	curtail

In a business context, the word “curtail” would be more appropriate as it suggests cutting back on expenses to increase profits. On the other hand, in an educational context, the word “entail” would be more suitable as it implies additional requirements that must be met. Similarly, in a legal context, “entail” would be more appropriate as it suggests stricter penalties that must be imposed. In an environmental context, “curtail” would be more fitting as it implies reducing emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Therefore, it is essential to consider the context in which the words “curtail” and “entail” are used to ensure that the appropriate word is chosen to convey the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While curtail and entail have specific rules for usage, there are exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Colloquial Usage

In informal conversations, people often use curtail and entail interchangeably, regardless of their correct usage. For instance, someone might say, “I have to curtail my expenses to save money” instead of “I have to cut back my expenses to save money.” In this case, the speaker is using curtail in a colloquial sense, which is an exception to the rule.

2. Regional Differences

The usage of curtail and entail may vary based on regional differences. For instance, in British English, curtail is more commonly used to mean “restrict” or “limit,” whereas in American English, it is more commonly used to mean “cut short.” Similarly, entail is more commonly used in British English to mean “involve” or “necessitate,” whereas in American English, it is more commonly used to mean “require” or “impose.”

3. Technical Jargon

In certain technical fields, such as law or finance, curtail and entail may have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in legal terms, curtail may refer to the reduction or termination of a legal right or privilege, while entail may refer to a legal obligation or restriction. In finance, curtail may refer to the reduction of expenses or the termination of a project, while entail may refer to the potential risks or costs associated with an investment.

4. Idiomatic Expressions

There are several idiomatic expressions that use curtail and entail in ways that deviate from their literal meanings. For instance, “curtail someone’s freedom” means to restrict someone’s liberty or rights, while “entail a lot of work” means to require a significant amount of effort or labor. These expressions are exceptions to the rules of using curtail and entail in their literal sense.

Overall, while curtail and entail have specific rules for usage, there are exceptions where these rules might not apply. It’s important to be aware of these exceptions to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the differences between curtail and entail, let’s put your knowledge to the test with some practice exercises. These exercises will help you improve your understanding of the two words and their usage in sentences.

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct word (curtail or entail) to complete each sentence below:

1. The new budget cuts will ___________ our department’s funding for training programs.	___________
2. The job responsibilities of a CEO ___________ long hours and high stress levels.	___________
3. The airline had to ___________ several flights due to the storm.	___________
4. The construction of the new building ___________ a lot of planning and coordination.	___________
5. The doctor advised the patient to ___________ their sugar intake to improve their health.	___________

Answer Key:

• 1. curtail
• 2. entail
• 3. curtail
• 4. entail
• 5. curtail

Exercise 2:

Write a sentence using curtail and a sentence using entail correctly:

• ___________
• ___________

Explanation:

For this exercise, you will need to create your own sentences using curtail and entail correctly. Remember to use curtail when referring to cutting back or reducing something, and use entail when referring to something that is necessary or involves a certain outcome.

Example:

• The company had to curtail its production due to a shortage of raw materials.
• Starting a new business entails a lot of hard work and dedication.

Now it’s your turn to create your own sentences!

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between curtail and entail, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Curtail refers to the act of reducing or cutting back, while entail refers to the necessary consequences or requirements of something.

It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication. When writing, take the time to consider which word is most appropriate for the context and meaning you are trying to convey.

Key Takeaways

• Curtail means to reduce or cut back, while entail means the necessary consequences or requirements of something.
• Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and unclear communication.
• When writing, choose the word that best fits the intended meaning and context.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and effectively communicate your ideas to others. Keep exploring and expanding your knowledge to become a more confident and skilled writer.