a restricted space

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a restricted space" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an area that has limitations on access or usage, often for safety or security reasons. Example: "The construction site is considered a restricted space, and only authorized personnel are allowed to enter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

In "Etude Poignante," Ms. Prieur suggested an ostrich, bustle on her rear, moving in a restricted space.

The New York Times - Arts

While many governments have welcomed this trend, some have recoiled at the new openness — and are doing their best to make sure that the Internet is a restricted space.

The New York Times

Because they are heavier than the UK adult population we hypothesized they would have larger torso dimensions which would adversely affect their ability to pass one another in a restricted space.

Applied Ergonomics

The network has a virtual community http://www.lareddelasandia.org to allow members to keep in contact, an open space for visitors and a restricted space for members only, training resources, health education resources, bibliography and discussion forums.

Appetite

The gunfire, allegedly from a Harrington and Richardson revolver held by Mr. Hinckley, came from within the the small group of reporters that watches routine events such as Presidential departures on behalf of colleagues who cannot be accommodated in a restricted space.

The New York Times

I assigned myself, for motives that are obscure even to me, the job of describing what I know of my era, that is — in its simplest form — what happened under my nose, that is to say the life, the dreams, the fantasies, the languages of a narrow group of people and events, within a restricted space, in an unimportant language made even less important by the use I make of it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The entire live action occurred in a deliberately restricted space near a screen on which were projected cartoon figures of moving people.

The New York Times - Arts

The device has to fit in a very restricted space of less than 0.1″×0.1″×0.1″, and it should provide a clamping force of at least 60 lb while obeying constraints on the required clamping-displacement, yield strength of the material, and manufacturability.

Finite Elements in Analysis and Design

For one thing, the surgeon has to operate in a severely restricted space.

Harvard Business Review

Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, but it is still a relatively restricted space.

The New York Times

From there she embarked on a mental and emotional experiment of "resculpting" the space between her body and a stranger's, transforming what she considered a stiff and restricted space into a malleable, inviting distance by resting her head on that person's shoulder.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical environments, use "a restricted space" to clearly indicate that the area is limited in size or access.

Common error

Avoid using "a restricted space" when a more nuanced term like "limited scope" or "narrow focus" would better capture the intended meaning in abstract discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a restricted space" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to an area or location that is limited in size, access, or use. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in both literal and slightly more abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a restricted space" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that functions as a noun phrase, primarily to describe an area with limitations in size, access, or use. As highlighted by Ludwig, its applications range from physical environments to more abstract concepts. The phrase is found across various registers, including science, news media, and academia, indicating its versatility. While "a restricted space" is generally correct, be mindful of contexts where a more precise term might be appropriate. Common synonyms include "a confined area" and "a limited space". Ludwig provides numerous examples that demonstrate the phrase's wide applicability and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a confined area

Focuses on the feeling of being enclosed or limited, often physically.

a limited area

Emphasizes the finite size or scope of the space.

a small space

Highlights the physical dimensions of the space, implying it is not large.

a compact area

Suggests efficient use of space, implying a deliberate design.

a cramped space

Conveys a sense of being uncomfortably confined.

a tight space

Implies difficulty in maneuvering or fitting within the area.

a bounded space

Highlights the presence of defined limits or boundaries.

a finite space

Emphasizes the limited and exhaustible nature of the space.

a controlled area

Highlights the regulation and supervision of the space.

a delimited area

Stresses the precise definition of the space's boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "a restricted space" in a sentence?

You can use "a restricted space" to describe areas with limited access or size, such as "The lab is "a restricted space" for authorized personnel only".

What are some alternatives to "a restricted space"?

Alternatives include "a confined area", "a limited space", or "a small area", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "restricted space" or "confined space"?

Both "restricted space" and "confined space" are correct, but "restricted space" often implies limitations on access or usage, while "a confined space" emphasizes physical enclosure.

Can "a restricted space" be used in a virtual or abstract sense?

While primarily used for physical locations, "a restricted space" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe limited opportunities or options, though it's generally more effective to use alternatives like "limited scope" or "narrow focus" in such contexts.