a constraint on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a constraint on' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something limits or restricts something else. For example, "The budget was a constraint on the team's ability to make major changes to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"So, yes, we are a constraint on them.

The New Yorker

Risk management was regarded as a "constraint on the business rather than integral to it".

The Guardian - Business

A controversial 2011 law banning support for boycotts is a constraint on public discussion.

The Guardian

But hypocrisy does not appear to be much of a constraint on this Administration.

The New Yorker

And, before anyone suggests it, this is not about a constraint on press freedom.

The Guardian

The fear of inflation also served as a constraint on price reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Insofar as China's capital controls still bite, they ease a constraint on Chinese policymaking.

The Economist

"The agenda of many people inside the party is still to Islamize Indonesia, and that's a constraint on democracy".

The New York Times

Theoretically, this entailed opening some imported parcels, and it certainly imposed a constraint on publishers and booksellers.

The Guardian - Tech

If there is a constraint on utility commitment to natural gas, it is the fuel's history of large price fluctuations.

The New York Times

"Funding is as big a constraint on lending as capital is," notes Huw van Steenis, an analyst at Morgan Stanley.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a constraint on", ensure that the noun following "on" clearly identifies what is being limited or restricted. For example, "a constraint on spending" is clearer than "a constraint on things".

Common error

Avoid using "a constraint on" without clearly defining what is being constrained. Vague references can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. For example, avoid saying "There is a constraint on it"; instead, specify "There is a constraint on the project's budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constraint on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun. It indicates a limiting factor or restriction that affects something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a constraint on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a limiting factor or restriction. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. While the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it is most frequently encountered in science, news media, and encyclopedia articles. When using "a constraint on", ensure you clearly define what is being limited to avoid ambiguity. Considering alternatives such as "a limitation on" or "a restriction on" can also enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limitation on

Replaces "constraint" with "limitation", emphasizing the restrictive aspect.

a restriction on

Substitutes "constraint" with "restriction", highlighting the act of limiting.

a curb on

Uses "curb" to suggest a restraint or check on something.

a check on

Employs "check" to indicate a controlling influence.

a restriction upon

Uses "restriction" with "upon" instead of "on", slightly changing the prepositional construction.

a limit to

Replaces "constraint" with "limit", indicating a boundary or maximum extent.

an impediment to

Replaces "constraint" with "impediment", focusing on the hindering effect.

a hindrance to

Similar to "impediment", but emphasizes the obstacle aspect.

a barrier to

Suggests something that prevents progress or access.

an obstacle to

Substitutes constraint with obstacle emphasizing the impedance nature of the phrase.

FAQs

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

Use "a constraint on" to indicate something that limits or restricts another thing. For example, "Lack of funding is "a constraint on" the project's scope".

What is a good alternative to "a constraint on"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a limitation on", "a restriction on", or "an impediment to".

What's the difference between "a constraint on" and "a restriction on"?

While similar, "a constraint on" generally implies a limiting factor, while "a restriction on" suggests a rule or condition that limits something. They are often interchangeable but can have subtle differences in connotation.

Is it better to use "a constraint on" or "constraints for"?

"A constraint on" is generally used to describe a limiting factor that affects something else. "Constraints for" is less common; it's better to rephrase as "constraints on" or "constraints that apply to".