a serious constraint

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Despite the advances, power consumption remains a serious constraint.

The Economist

This proved a serious constraint to America in the WTO talks on financial services and telecommunications, says Mr VanGrasstek.

The Economist

But the desperate need to keep on board Tory Brexiteers, Mr Gove included, is a serious constraint on the government just now.

The Guardian - Opinion

In economically dynamic places such as New York and London the shortage of housing is a serious constraint on growth in output and highly paid jobs.

The Economist

This has been seen as a serious constraint in recent years, and most Western governments have tried to reduce their borrowing in order to keep interest rates down.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the cabinet mulled over retaliatory options after the Mumbai attacks of November 2008, the "poor state of the armory" was a serious constraint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

A more serious constraint on an effective recovery package is the power of today's financial sector.

The Guardian - Opinion

A more serious constraint stems from the fact that there appears to be a certain degree of mixture of the mass peaks of adjacent isotopologues.

Analytical Chemistry

When compared to many other crop species, there has been relatively little investment in date palm molecular genetics research, resulting in serious constraint of an under-developed infrastructure of genetic and genomic tools.

BMC Plant Biology

A buyer had to have a serious space constraint to justify purchasing ICs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We have tier one module makers and equipment makers call us looking for inventory," says Meyers, and that indicates a serious supply constraint.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious constraint", be specific about what is being constrained and the consequences of that constraint. For instance, 'Lack of funding is a serious constraint on our research efforts' provides more clarity than simply stating 'Lack of funding is a serious constraint'.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious constraint" for minor inconveniences or easily solvable problems. Save it for situations where the limitation truly has significant and lasting repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious constraint" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples, where the phrase identifies a significant limitation or restriction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious constraint" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a significant limitation or restriction. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently used in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. It serves to highlight obstacles that require attention or resolution. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the nature of the constraint and its consequences, and to avoid overstating the severity for minor inconveniences. Alternative phrases like "a major limitation" or "a significant impediment" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The expression maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major limitation

Emphasizes the significance of the limitation, similar to 'serious' in the original phrase.

a significant impediment

Highlights the hindering aspect of the constraint, implying a considerable obstacle.

a critical bottleneck

Focuses on the point of obstruction, suggesting a critical delay or stoppage.

a formidable challenge

Stresses the difficulty posed by the constraint, indicating a tough problem to overcome.

a substantial restriction

Underscores the extent of the limitation, implying a notable curtailment.

a noteworthy disadvantage

Highlights the negative impact caused by the constraint, focusing on the unfavorable aspect.

a considerable drawback

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the situation, suggesting a significant downside.

a grave obstacle

Highlights the severe nature of the obstacle, indicating a significant impediment.

a pressing concern

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the constraint, suggesting it needs immediate attention.

a key hurdle

Highlights the need to overcome this obstacle, suggesting a specific challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious constraint" to describe a significant limitation or restriction. For example, "The lack of resources is "a serious constraint" on the project's progress."

What are some alternatives to "a serious constraint"?

Alternatives include "a major limitation", "a significant impediment", or "a critical bottleneck", depending on the specific context.

What makes a constraint "serious"?

A constraint is considered "serious" when it significantly hinders progress, limits options, or has considerable negative consequences. It's more than just a minor inconvenience; it poses a substantial challenge.

Is it always negative to have "a serious constraint"?

Yes, the phrase "a serious constraint" typically implies a negative situation, indicating a challenge or obstacle that needs to be addressed. While constraints can sometimes lead to innovation, the phrase itself focuses on the restrictive aspect.