a constraint to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constraint to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations or restrictions that affect a situation or decision. Example: "The budget serves as a constraint to our ability to expand the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a constraint to which Mr Ghobadi magnificently responds.

The Economist

Instead, Riviere used the duration of Kardashian's marriage to Kris Humphries seventy-two days—as a constraint to determine Humphries seventy-twook wouldays asin.

The New Yorker

When he uses form as a constraint to work against, he is most effective, as in 'Afterwards': White blossom breaks the cherry tree's snow.

The Guardian - Books

I think this will be a constraint to how big the data can get because it will always require an element of human insight.

The New York Times

Instead, Riviere used the duration of Kardashian's marriage to Kris Humphries — seventy-two dass — as a constraint to determine how many poems the book would contain.

The New Yorker

She was meeting with East End town leaders, and members of the Bay Street Theater brought up the issue, pointing out that the high cost of housing was a constraint to expanding their company.

The New York Times

Its conservation defines a constraint to the magnetic field evolution.

Advances in Space Research

A constraint to this conclusion is, however, that strongly excited, anti-symmetric modes cannot be predicted.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Wejnert (2002) identified that the inability to modify organizational structures is a constraint to educational innovations.

International Journal of STEM Education

Space-filling requirement is treated as a constraint to avoid clustered sample points.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Both groups articulated concerns regarding the sustainability of foreign aid as a constraint to recommended solutions.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a constraint to" when you want to express that something limits or restricts an action, development, or possibility. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited.

Common error

Avoid using "a constraint to" when describing a simple preference or dislike. This phrase is more appropriate for describing tangible limitations or restrictions that impact processes or outcomes. For a simple preference, consider using phrases like "a deterrent to" or "a disincentive for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constraint to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a limiting factor or restriction affecting something else. Ludwig AI shows that it's commonly used to denote obstacles in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a constraint to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a limitation or restriction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts. While "a constraint on" may be more typical, "a constraint to" is an acceptable alternative. When using this phrase, consider related options like "a limitation on" or "a barrier to" for nuanced meaning. Be aware of applying the phrase to scenarios that require a more direct limitation rather than a subtle inconvenience. The source analysis suggests its suitability for professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limitation on

Focuses on the limiting aspect rather than the restrictive impact.

a restriction on

Emphasizes the act of restricting or limiting something.

an impediment to

Highlights the hindering or obstructive nature of the limitation.

a hindrance to

Similar to impediment, but suggests a more general obstacle.

a barrier to

Implies a more significant obstacle, like a physical barrier.

an obstacle to

Highlights the difficulty in overcoming the limitation.

a curb on

Suggests a restraining influence, often applied to actions or behaviors.

a check on

Implies a controlling or monitoring effect.

a deterrent to

Focuses on discouraging or preventing a particular action.

a damper on

Suggests a reduction in enthusiasm or progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a constraint to" to indicate a limitation or restriction. For example: "The budget is "a constraint to" our expansion plans.".

What are some alternatives to "a constraint to"?

Some alternatives include "a limitation on", "a restriction on", or "an impediment to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a constraint on" or "a constraint to"?

While both can be used, "a constraint on" is more common. "A constraint to" is also acceptable but may sound less natural in some contexts. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey; both are grammatically valid but subtly different.

What's the difference between "a constraint to" and "a barrier to"?

"A constraint to" generally refers to a limitation or restriction that affects progress or possibilities. "A barrier to", on the other hand, implies a more significant obstacle that actively prevents progress. A constraint can be managed or worked around, while a barrier often needs to be overcome.