a major constraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major constraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing significant limitations or restrictions that affect a situation, project, or decision-making process. Example: "The budget cuts imposed by the government have created a major constraint on our ability to expand the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a major constraint on our growth".

The New York Times

One important caveat: sample size is a major constraint.

The New York Times

"Our lack of knowledge of saola biology is a major constraint to efforts to conserve it.

The Guardian

"We still think that weak bank lending will be a major constraint on the economic recovery".

The Guardian - Business

Narrow bandwidth is a major constraint of microstrip antennas.

Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal

Soil salinity is a major constraint to agriculture.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

de Bary is a major constraint to potato production worldwide.

Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology

Insect pests are a major constraint to chickpea production.

Crop Protection

"The costs of these arrangements are applying a major constraint on the expansion of universities.

The Guardian - Money

And the lack of resources is a major constraint in treating those ailments.

The New York Times

Should growth strengthen, federal borrowing could become a major constraint on investment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major constraint", clearly specify what is being constrained to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "Funding is a major constraint", say "Funding is a major constraint on our ability to expand the program."

Common error

Avoid using "a major constraint" for minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations where the limitation genuinely has a significant impact. Using it too liberally dilutes its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major constraint" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant limitation or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. It often acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, clarifying what is hindering progress or affecting outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major constraint" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to describe a significant limitation or restriction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse domains like science, news, and business. While semantically interchangeable with alternatives like "significant limitation" or "key impediment", it's crucial to use it accurately to avoid overstating the significance of minor issues. Remember to always define the object or activity that is being limited by "a major constraint" to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant limitation

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

a critical restriction

Emphasizes the limiting aspect using the word "restriction".

a key impediment

Substitutes "constraint" with "impediment", highlighting the hindering effect.

a serious hindrance

Highlights the obstructive nature using the word "hindrance".

a substantial obstacle

Uses "obstacle" instead of "constraint", stressing the difficulty it poses.

a tough restriction

Highlights that the expression is a strong restriction.

a primary bottleneck

Replaces the terms with business-related words to show the difficulty.

a powerful inhibitor

Highlights that the expression is stopping a process.

a considerable challenge

Softens the negative connotation by framing it as a "challenge".

a notable disadvantage

Focuses on the unfavorable position caused by the "constraint".

FAQs

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

Use "a major constraint" to describe a significant limitation or restriction. For example: "The lack of funding is "a major constraint" on the project's progress".

What are some alternatives to "a major constraint"?

You can use alternatives such as "significant limitation", "key impediment", or "substantial obstacle" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "major constraint" or "significant constraint"?

Both "major constraint" and "significant constraint" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to express. "Major" emphasizes scale, while "significant" emphasizes importance.

What is the difference between a constraint and a limitation?

While often used interchangeably, a "constraint" generally refers to something that restricts or controls, whereas a "limitation" refers to a boundary or restriction. Both can act as "a major constraint".