a circumscribed set of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a circumscribed set of' is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually refers to a group of items that have been strictly limited in number or range. For example, "The selection of desserts was a circumscribed set of five items."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Critical care is best managed when the service is designed for a homogeneous population with a circumscribed set of medical and surgical issues.

Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

To do this, they have turned to pro-business and entertainment-destination development policies while retaining only a circumscribed set of options for benefitting their low-income residents and communities.

University of Chicago

It's a circumscribed set of things we do and time we spend welcoming others into the space where we remember, make final arrangements for a body and celebrate the life that has left us.

HuffPost

There is now considerable evidence that face processing involves a circumscribed set of brain regions within occipitotemporal cortex, as evidenced by single-cell recording in primates (Perrett et al. 1982), intracranial recording in humans (McCarthy et al. 1999) and neuropsychological deficits such as prosopagnosia (De Renzi 1986).

Cerebral Cortex

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the ACT is generally considered a broader test of high school mastery than the SAT, which tests a more circumscribed set of math, reading and language skills.

The New York Times

Clearly, such contemplation gives access to a suitably circumscribed set of worlds only if the imaginative exercise is somehow constrained with respect to what is held constant.

SEP

Based on these findings, Henzi et al. (2009) have concluded that female baboons do not "sustain relationships with a constant and circumscribed set of individuals over time, but instead form only short-term companionships with an array of different partners in response to local ecological contingencies".

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

In contrast, we predicted SLI status would be associated with a much smaller and more circumscribed set of clinical symptoms and that these symptoms would largely reflect the semantic and the syntactic limitations associated with SLI and the social penalties associated with children's limited verbal proficiency (inattention and peer difficulties).

Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics

We also focused on health outcomes proximal to the services covered by the scheme, as its circumscribed set of covered services enabled measurement of changes in cause specific mortality even if changes in general population health were difficult to measure.

British Medical Journal

Loyd succeeds at the most difficult task for such a circumscribed setting — making the granular details of her characters' travails feel as though they added up to more than the sum of their parts.

The New Yorker

To stay in the game, we have a circumscribed existence with a narrow set of options.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a circumscribed set of", ensure that the context clearly indicates the boundaries or limitations being imposed. For example, specify the criteria used to define the set.

Common error

Avoid using "a circumscribed set of" when the limits are vague or arbitrary. Make sure the limitations are genuine and contribute meaningfully to the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a circumscribed set of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a collection or group that is specifically limited or restricted, implying clear boundaries or constraints. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a circumscribed set of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a limited and well-defined collection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers various real-world examples from reputable sources, primarily in scientific, news, and academic domains. While not exceedingly common, its use adds precision to writing, particularly when emphasizing the defined boundaries of a group. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly illustrates the boundaries of the set. If a simpler term suffices, alternatives such as "a limited range of" or "a restricted number of" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited range of

Focuses on the restricted scope or extent, rather than the defined boundary.

a restricted number of

Emphasizes the small quantity or count of items.

a defined selection of

Highlights the specific and predetermined nature of the set.

a finite group of

Stresses the bounded or measurable nature of the collection.

a contained assortment of

Indicates that the collection is kept within certain limits or boundaries.

a controlled variety of

Implies that the diversity within the collection is regulated or managed.

a precise array of

Highlights the exact and specific arrangement of items.

a select few

Emphasizes the small and exclusive nature of the collection.

a particular spectrum of

Focuses on the specific range within a larger continuum.

a delineated scope of

Highlights the clearly defined limits or boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "a circumscribed set of" in a sentence?

You can use "a circumscribed set of" to describe a limited or restricted collection of items. For example, "The study focused on "a circumscribed set of" variables to ensure accurate results."

What's a good alternative to "a circumscribed set of"?

Alternatives include "a limited range of", "a restricted number of", or "a defined selection of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "circumscribed" the same as "limited"?

While similar, "circumscribed" emphasizes clearly defined boundaries or restrictions, while "limited" simply indicates a restriction in amount or extent. Thus, a "circumscribed set of" implies more intentional restriction than a merely limited one.

When is it appropriate to use "a circumscribed set of" in formal writing?

It is appropriate when you need to emphasize that the items or options are intentionally limited or defined within specific boundaries, often in technical or analytical contexts.