I feel restrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I feel restrained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a sense of limitation or confinement, either physically or emotionally. Example: "In this situation, I feel restrained by the rules and unable to express my true thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"When I do 'Parsifal,' I'm in heaven, but I feel restrained," Mr. Andersen said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since Ahmar's death, his nine sons have taken on leadership roles in the tribe, and they do not appear to feel restrained by their father's traditions.

The New Yorker

There are more than seventy photographs and five video installations in this mid-career survey, yet it still manages to feel restrained.

The New Yorker

There are more than seventy photographs and five video installations in her mid-career survey at the Guggenheim, yet it still manages to feel restrained.

The New Yorker

The hero's own fight scenes can feel restrained, even cramped, perhaps because he devotes a lot of energy to anguishing about violence begetting further violence, and also to fretting that his return to duty will jeopardize a chance to reconcile with his ex-wife.

The New Yorker

It seems likely that he would not feel restrained by propriety.

Huffington Post

Try not to feel restrained by some kind of moral conflict or fear.

Vice

It has been pointed out that women in SSA may feel restrained to discuss condoms with their stable partners (husbands), because the women who do so are likely to be perceived as overly interested in sex (39), distrustful of their male partners, or promiscuous (40).

Global Health Action

Leaders can provide a safe environment for discovery and exploration of ideas so employees will not feel restrained by the fear of losing respect or their jobs.

WikiHow

On an energetic level, mula bandha allows us to feel, restrain, and then direct our energies toward enlightenment.

Huffington Post

If the day felt restrained compared with the historic mood the last time, it reflected a more restrained moment in the life of the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I feel restrained", consider the specific context and whether a more precise synonym might better convey your intended meaning. For example, "I feel inhibited" might be preferable when discussing emotional expression.

Common error

While "I feel restrained" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "I am constrained" or "I am limited" may be more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I feel restrained" primarily functions as a subjective expression of a personal feeling or emotional state. The verb "feel" connects the subject ("I") to the adjective "restrained", indicating a sensation of limitation or inhibition, which aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I feel restrained" is grammatically sound and commonly used to express a sensation of being limited or inhibited. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and explore synonyms to ensure the most accurate expression. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Science" and "Wiki" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I feel confined

Emphasizes a sense of physical or emotional enclosure, similar to being restrained.

I feel restricted

Highlights the limitations imposed on one's actions or freedom.

I feel constrained

Indicates a feeling of being forced or compelled to act in a certain way.

I feel inhibited

Focuses on the psychological aspect of being held back or unable to express oneself freely.

I feel stifled

Suggests a sense of being suffocated or suppressed.

I feel suppressed

Implies that one's feelings or actions are being deliberately held down.

I feel under pressure

Highlights the feeling of being burdened by external demands or expectations.

I feel held back

Emphasizes the sensation of something preventing progress or freedom.

I feel curtailed

Indicates a reduction or limitation in one's freedom or scope.

I feel leashed

Suggests a feeling of being controlled or restricted, like an animal on a leash.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I feel restrained"?

Saying "I feel restrained" means you experience a sense of limitation, inhibition, or lack of freedom, either physically or emotionally. It suggests that something is holding you back from acting or expressing yourself fully.

What can I say instead of "I feel restrained"?

You can use alternatives like "I feel confined", "I feel restricted", or "I feel inhibited" depending on the specific context.

Is "I feel restrained" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I feel restrained" is grammatically correct. The verb "feel" is correctly used to express a personal sensation or emotion, and "restrained" functions as an adjective describing the nature of that feeling.

How can I use "I feel restrained" in a sentence?

You can use "I feel restrained" in a sentence to express a sense of limitation. For example: "In this role, "I feel restrained" by the company's policies and unable to implement my ideas."