Curb or Kerb?

Our Story

Search...

Curb or Kerb?

What is the difference between "curb" and "kerb"?

In North America, the "curb" is the stone edging of the sidewalk. Outside North America (where the sidewalk is called the pavement), the spelling is "kerb." This, however, is not the end of the story because "to curb" (meaning "to control" or "to limit") has the same spelling in American English and British English.

Here are some examples with the noun "curb/kerb":
  • When walking on the sidewalk, keep away from the curb. ()
  • When walking on the pavement, keep away from the kerb. ()
Here are some examples with the verb "to curb":
  • We must curb our spending. ( and )
  • We must kerb our spending. ( and )
    • ("Kerb" is never a verb.)
curb or kerb?
Got it? Take a quick test.

Curb

The verb "to curb" means "to control" or "to limit."

For example:
  • Try to curb your enthusiasm.
  • The US will curb its influence over the next decade.
Even though it is quite rare, there is a corresponding noun too. It means "something that limits or controls." For example:
  • There will be a curb on spending.
    • (Here, "curb" is a noun.)
In this US, "curb" is used for the stone edging of a sidewalk. In British English, the spelling for this word "kerb."
  • We can't all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by. (American actor Will Rogers)

Kerb

Americans don't need to worry about the word "kerb." It doesn't exist in American English. However, for Brits, "kerb" is the stone edging of a pavement. For example:
  • She tripped over the curb. () ()
  • She tripped over the kerb. () ()

A Video Summary

Watch a video showing 10 big differences between British English and American English.

Ready for the Test?
Here is a confirmatory test for this lesson.

This test can also be:
  • Edited (i.e., you can delete questions and play with the order of the questions).
  • Printed to create a handout.
  • Sent electronically to friends or students.

Help Us To Improve Grammar Monster

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
Please tell us using this form.

See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? cannot or can not? who's or whose? What are nouns? What are verbs? List of easily confused words