a big constraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big constraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant limitation or restriction in a particular context, such as a project or decision-making process. Example: "The budget is a big constraint on our ability to expand the project this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Congress was "a big constraint," Axelrod said.

The New Yorker

For others cooling has become a big constraint.

The Economist

"A big constraint on management is not the boards or the analysts," he said.

The New York Times

Daniel Kaufmann of the Brookings Institution notes that last year 33% of American business leaders told pollsters that a big constraint was the "instability of the policy framework".

The Economist

These findings pose a big constraint in the increase of hypercycle's size and complexity under the presence of inner cycles, suggesting the importance of a rapid growth of hypercycles able to generate spatial structures (e.g., rotating spirals) prior to the emergence of inner cycles.

Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena

"There is a big constraint when you are producing a piece of tech, to be not obtrusive and attractive.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The first is that while high-growth startups are more likely to create jobs and fuel growth, other small businesses matter too — and financing might be a bigger constraint for them.

Harvard Business Review

But its advice has often been ignored in the past, and Gordon Brown has already made it clear that he wants plenty of new houses built.Insurance may be a bigger constraint on house-builders than planning rules.

The Economist

Again, this faces a big political constraint.

The Economist

"Their big constraint is that they really have no planes coming in until 2016," said Stephen Furlong, an airline analyst with Davy Stockbrokers in Dublin, where Ryanair is based.

The New York Times

The first big constraint is not actually the housing itself but transportation.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big constraint", clearly specify what is being constrained. Provide context to make the limitation explicit and understandable for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a big constraint" when a more nuanced term would be appropriate. Not every limitation is 'big'; using a less emphatic term like 'a constraint' or 'a limitation' can improve precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big constraint" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something that imposes a significant limitation or restriction. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big constraint" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that highlights a significant limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Although relatively uncommon in overall frequency, it's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define what is being constrained and avoid overstating the significance of the constraint if a more nuanced term is appropriate. Alternatives like "a major obstacle" or "a significant limitation" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major obstacle

Replaces "constraint" with "obstacle", focusing on the hindering aspect.

a significant limitation

Uses "limitation" instead of "constraint", highlighting the restrictive nature.

a considerable impediment

Employs "impediment" which implies a more formal and substantial hindrance.

a substantial restriction

Substitutes "constraint" with "restriction", indicating a imposed limitation.

a key challenge

Replaces "constraint" with "challenge", focusing on the difficulty it presents.

a primary hurdle

Uses "hurdle" to convey the idea of something that must be overcome.

a notable bottleneck

Replaces "constraint" with "bottleneck", highlighting a point of congestion or delay.

a critical barrier

Employs "barrier" suggesting a more rigid or impassable obstruction.

a major drawback

Uses "drawback" focusing on the negative aspect or disadvantage.

a serious encumbrance

Substitutes constraint for encumbrance, suggesting a burden or something that weighs down progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a big constraint" in a sentence?

You can use "a big constraint" to describe a significant limitation or restriction, such as, "The lack of funding is "a big constraint" on our research efforts".

What are some alternatives to "a big constraint"?

Alternatives include "a major obstacle", "a significant limitation", or "a key challenge", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a big constraint" vs. "a small constraint"?

"A big constraint" should be used when the limitation significantly impacts the project or situation. "A small constraint" is more appropriate for minor limitations with minimal impact.

Is "a big constraint" the same as "a restriction"?

While similar, "a big constraint" often implies a limitation that actively hinders progress, whereas "a restriction" is a rule or condition that limits freedom. The best word to use depends on the precise meaning you intend to convey.