Grammar fix
curb
limit excessive behaviour
To limit or reduce something harmful, excessive, or unwanted.
How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The new measures are designed to curb unnecessary spending.
At my secondary school they stopped selling fizzy drinks to curb unhealthy eating, but honestly, most of us just bought them at the shop across the road.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: curb down spending
Say: curb spending
'Curb' already means limit, so it does not need the extra particle 'down'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Stop something growing out of control
How formalEverydayMore formal
keep in checkPreventing spending, emotions, or behaviour from becoming excessive.rein inBringing excessive spending, behaviour, or emotions under control.
curbYou're here · More formal: limiting excessive spending, behaviour, or impulses.