Ask WordMum: Curb vs Kerb
Apologies, we’re a little late with this month’s post! Don’t worry, your WordMum is here for your wordy needs, and we’ll be back on track next time.
In this post, we’re controlling our space beside the road. Right? Maybe. Let’s untangle these two words to make sure we know how to use them.
Our Question
What’s the difference between curb and kerb?
WordMum Says
This pair of words is pronounced the same but they have very different meanings. I promise they are both valid words!
Unless you’re using US English, in which case, kerb is not a word; US English uses curb for all meanings. In Australian and British English, kerb is a valid word, so let’s try to understand them.
Curb (noun, verb)
This spelling of the word refers to control or restraint. It’s used in the same way as control in how it can be used as a verb (to curb) and a noun (a curb on something), and with the same kind of meaning.
Kerb (noun)
This word refers to the raised concrete edging on the side of the road, where the pavement meets the road. That’s it! It’s very specific.
We often see curb used in this context due to Americanisms creeping over into local use, such as in marketing real estate for curb appeal. However, that doesn’t mean they’re correct. If you’re writing in Aus or UK English, use kerb (even for kerb appeal).
How to remember which is which
It helps me to remember the control link; if I’m referring to something being controlled, I want the word that starts with the same letter: curb.
Alternatively, you can use the kick it to the kerb phrase, where the alliteration links the K to the concept you’re going for.
Example Time!
Let’s see how these two look in context!
To give herself time to curb her anger, she took a breath and counted to five
In this sentence, the person is trying to exercise some self-control and not lash out. Because of the control concept, we’re led to the curb spelling. It’s also a verb in this sentence, so the noun kerb doesn’t make sense.
The truck mounted the kerb in a spectacularly bad attempt at parking
Here, the truck is bumping a wheel up onto the pavement, so we want the roadside concept. You could switch it out for pavement and have the same meaning: the truck mounted the pavement. Either works here! But not curb.
He hauled the sad, old couch out for kerbside pickup
This means the person is putting a couch on the side of the road for collection. The road concept brings us back to the K-spelling of the word. Kerbside specifically refers to something beside the edge of the road (and its kerb).
They had to put a curb on their spending
Here we have the word being used as a noun but it’s not referring to a road feature. Instead, we’re talking about controlling spending, so we want the C-spelling of the word.
So now you know when to curb and what’s a kerb. Go forth and have fun with them!
If you want to catch up on existing posts, check out dedicated page that lists them all for you, in alphabetical order. If this post, or any others, reminded you of similar tricky words you’d like help with, let WordMum know.
See you next month for more wordy wisdom!