Curb vs. Kerb: What's the Difference?
Curb and kerb refer to the same fundamental concept, but their usage varies based on regional differences. In American English, curb is the preferred term for the stone or concrete edging that lines the street, separating it from the sidewalk. In British English, however, kerb is the preferred spelling for this very same edge.
How do you use the word curb in a sentence?
The word curb is commonly used in American English as a noun to refer to the raised edge between the pavement and the road. It also functions as a verb, indicating the act of restraining or keeping something in check. The context and regional use will often dictate which meaning is intended.
Examples of curb in a sentence
- She accidentally scratched her car's bumper against the curb while parking.
- The city implemented new policies to curb air pollution from vehicles.
- After tripping on the curb, he was more cautious while walking.
How do you use the word kerb in a sentence?
The word kerb is mainly employed in British English and shares the same meanings as curb. It refers to the stone or concrete bordering a road or path and can also denote an action akin to restricting or controlling a situation or behavior.
Examples of kerb in a sentence
- Please, mind the kerb while stepping onto the pavement.
- The driver lost control and hit the kerb, causing a flat tire.
- New regulations were introduced to kerb excessive noise in residential areas.
Curb and kerb definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Curb definition:
Curb (noun) refers to the edge where a raised sidewalk or road median meets a street. As a verb, it means to restrain or control.
Curb parts of speech:
Curb pronunciation:
Curb is pronounced as /kɜːrb/.
Kerb definition:
Kerb (noun) is the British English term for a stone or concrete edge bordering a paved road or path.
Kerb parts of speech:
Kerb pronunciation:
Kerb is pronounced as /kɜːb/, identically to 'curb'.
Curb (noun) refers to the edge where a raised sidewalk or road median meets a street. As a verb, it means to restrain or control.
Curb parts of speech:
- As a noun: The new city ordinance requires a minimum six-inch curb on all streets.
- As a verb: They introduced new rules to curb late-night sales of alcohol.
Curb pronunciation:
Curb is pronounced as /kɜːrb/.
Kerb definition:
Kerb (noun) is the British English term for a stone or concrete edge bordering a paved road or path.
Kerb parts of speech:
- Kerb is typically used as a noun: Pay attention when you step off the kerb.
- Sentence with verb usage (less common): The committee plans to kerb any activities that lead to littering.
Kerb pronunciation:
Kerb is pronounced as /kɜːb/, identically to 'curb'.
Curb vs. kerb in a nutshell
Curb and kerb are two spellings of a term that denotes the same physical feature: the edged boundary between a road and a sidewalk. The primary difference lies in their regional use, with curb being the standard in American English and kerb in British English. Both can also imply the act of controlling or restricting something, further solidifying their equivalence beyond mere geography.
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