a blanket restriction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blanket restriction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rule or limitation that applies universally without exceptions. Example: "The new policy imposes a blanket restriction on all forms of overtime, regardless of the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I don't think this is a blanket restriction at all," she said.

The New York Times

But would a blanket restriction on alcohol across all passengers be a welcomed or even necessary step, or is it a bit heavy handed?

The Guardian

Neither Israel nor the United States has confirmed what targets the Israeli jets hit, and the government in Jerusalem has imposed a blanket restriction on the Israeli news media from reporting details about the raid.

The New York Times

The government, it says, has "to introduce legislative proposals to amend the electoral law imposing a blanket restriction on voting rights of convicted prisoners in prison, and achieve compliance with the Court's judgment".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Among other things, the legislation prohibits NASA from hosting representatives of the Chinese government at any of the agency's facilities; however, it does not place any blanket restriction on Chinese citizens entering NASA centers.

Science Magazine

But he deeply misses the experience of walking his standard poodle, Oscar, off leash and worries that the "blanket restriction" in place will set a "rigid standard that some might want to continue" after the study.

The New York Times

Blanket restriction of the use of certain terms is not consistent with the values upon which this university is founded.

Independent

Any blanket restriction, they say, would clash with First Amendment press freedoms and make it difficult for the public to monitor what the police do on its behalf.In the recent past the Supreme Court has been reluctant to second-guess the police on how to execute warrants, giving them ever greater latitude.

The Economist

They fear that the blanket restriction will make it nearly impossible for government experts to speak to journalists on issues as varied as GM crops, vaccines, infectious diseases and fracking, because ministers could take days or more to respond to the requests.

The Guardian

Additionally, panel members on this topic at an MLDC meeting cited the need to bring to bear all talent: The blanket restriction for women limits the ability of commanders in theater to pick the most capable person for the job.

Huffington Post

It is hard to imagine a situation where blanket restrictions on the exchange of information would constitute the "least restrictive manner" for the government to fulfil the purpose of the restriction, whatever this might be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a blanket restriction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being restricted and the scope of the restriction. For instance, specify if it applies to an entire organization, a specific demographic, or a particular activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a blanket restriction" when the limitation has exceptions or applies only to certain situations. Using more precise language will ensure accuracy and prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blanket restriction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions to name or describe an imposed limitation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blanket restriction" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a limitation that applies broadly without exceptions. As Ludwig AI points out, it's correct and useful for describing rules and policies. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. For alternative expressions, consider "a universal limitation" or "a comprehensive ban". When using this phrase, ensure that the scope and nature of the restriction are clear to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a universal limitation

Replaces "blanket" with "universal", emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of the restriction.

a comprehensive limitation

Substitutes "blanket" with "comprehensive", focusing on the thoroughness of the limitation.

a complete prohibition

Replaces "restriction" with "prohibition", indicating a stronger, more absolute form of limitation.

an across-the-board constraint

Uses "across-the-board constraint" instead of "blanket restriction", offering a more descriptive alternative.

a total ban

Shortens the phrase to "total ban", providing a concise alternative with a similar meaning.

an all-encompassing rule

Replaces both "blanket" and "restriction" with "all-encompassing rule", focusing on the broad application of the rule.

a general constraint

Uses "general constraint" to convey the broad applicability of the restriction.

a sweeping limitation

Employs "sweeping limitation", suggesting a wide-ranging impact of the restriction.

a widespread restriction

Replaces "blanket" with "widespread", highlighting the extensive reach of the restriction.

an indiscriminate limitation

Uses "indiscriminate limitation" to emphasize the lack of differentiation in the application of the restriction.

FAQs

How can I use "a blanket restriction" in a sentence?

You can use "a blanket restriction" to describe a rule or limitation that applies to everyone or everything within a given scope. For example, "The company imposed "a blanket restriction" on social media use during work hours".

What's the difference between "a blanket restriction" and "a partial restriction"?

"A blanket restriction" applies universally without exceptions, while "a partial restriction" only applies in certain situations or to specific groups.

What can I say instead of "a blanket restriction"?

You can use alternatives like "a universal limitation", "a comprehensive ban", or "a complete prohibition" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a blanket restriction" in formal writing?

Yes, "a blanket restriction" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing policies or regulations. However, ensure that the term accurately reflects the scope of the restriction. If the restriction has any nuance, use a more specific term.