a significant constraint

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Voluntary reporting has been a significant constraint on past attempts to count police use of force.

The Guardian

But overall they function as a significant constraint on this presidency.

The New York Times

But there is little question that fear of aerial interdiction has been a significant constraint on Peruvian drug production.

The New York Times

Yet the Obama administration faces a significant constraint in declaring a threat to Iraqi Kurdistan a threat to US interests.

The Guardian

Strengthening demand is filtering through into higher sales levels although the ongoing shortage of supply is acting as a significant constraint on activity.

The Guardian - Business

This was a significant constraint of flexibility for both control system operation and design.

Fusion Engineering and Design

In both the rich and the emerging world unmet demand for housing is a significant constraint on growth.

The Economist

But after a decade of rampant growth, wind is running into a significant constraint: There are too few transmission lines to carry the power.

The New York Times

They appear most promising as candidates for the cores in sandwich structures intended for elevated temperature and multifunctional applications where their limited ductility is not a significant constraint.

Acta Materialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"And a very significant constraint to first-time buyers is the wealth constraint".

The New York Times

Third, as a less significant constraint, corridor design methods typically require the end points of corridors to be specified a priori.

Environmental Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant constraint", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being limited or restricted. Providing specific details about the constraint's impact enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant constraint" when the limitation is minor or inconsequential. Overstating the constraint's impact can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant constraint" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a limitation or restriction of considerable importance. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant constraint" is a widely used phrase that effectively highlights a notable limitation or restriction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "a major impediment" or "a substantial limitation" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited and avoid overstating the constraint's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial limitation

Substitutes "significant" with "substantial" and "constraint" with "limitation", emphasizing the degree of restriction.

a considerable restriction

Uses "considerable" in place of "significant" and "restriction" instead of "constraint", highlighting the imposed limitation.

an important limitation

Emphasizes the importance of the limitation, replacing "significant" with "important".

a major impediment

Replaces "constraint" with "impediment", suggesting a more obstructive barrier.

a marked restriction

Uses "marked" instead of "significant", and "restriction" instead of "constraint", to denote a noticeable limitation.

a critical impediment

Uses "critical" to emphasize the severity of the impediment.

a notable hindrance

Replaces "constraint" with "hindrance", suggesting an obstacle that delays or prevents progress.

a key obstacle

Replaces "constraint" with "obstacle", focusing on something that blocks progress and "significant" with "key" to denote its relevance.

a serious curtailment

Replaces "constraint" with "curtailment", implying a reduction or restriction and "significant" with "serious" to emphasize its impact.

a weighty encumbrance

Replaces "constraint" with "encumbrance", suggesting a burden or something that weighs down progress and "significant" with "weighty" to denote its relevance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant constraint" to describe something that notably limits or restricts an action, process, or outcome. For instance, "The lack of funding is a significant constraint on the project's scope."

What are some alternatives to "a significant constraint"?

You can use alternatives like "a major impediment", "a substantial limitation", or "a considerable restriction" depending on the context.

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

Both "significant constraint" and "major constraint" are acceptable, but "significant constraint" might imply a more nuanced or subtle impact, while "major constraint" suggests a more prominent or impactful limitation.

What's the difference between "a constraint" and "a significant constraint"?

"A constraint" refers to any limitation or restriction. Adding "significant" emphasizes that the constraint has a notable or considerable impact. Thus, "a significant constraint" underscores the importance of the limitation.