a source of restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that limits or controls actions, behaviors, or decisions. Example: "The new regulations serve as a source of restraint on excessive spending by the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One source of the current strength may well turn into a source of restraint in coming months.

The New York Times

He also says more-expensive and less-available credit is "likely to continue to be a source of restraint on economic growth".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The anti-progressive stillness of the yogi may lead to stagnation, but it may also be a source of saving restraint.

The New York Times - Arts

Initially a truncated model (with most side chains and phytol tails removed) of PSI from Thermosynechococcus was used for molecular replacement and as a source of external restraints.

eLife

Although they are often not as accessible (and enforceable in a court of law) to individuals who may be affected by communicational activities, they may nonetheless impose an important source of restraint upon public officials that are engaged in such activities.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

It was also a source of his enormous restraint, shielding him from the temptation to vent the hot and he thought unconsidered feelings that were aroused in him by the whites' most dramatic outrages, such as the Birmingham bombings of 1963.

The New Yorker

This discussion can be followed in its entirety here.UNCERTAINTY is a constant in economic life, but Olivier Blanchard notes that at present it is sufficiently pervasive as to be a major exogenous source of restraint on demand.

The Economist

Even that source of restraint is gone now.

HuffPost

This wisdom and restraint is a source of wealth and respect.

Huffington Post

After a while, this self-restraint will come easily and will be a source of both pride and comfort to you.

WikiHow

What a source of power!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of restraint", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited or controlled to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of restraint" in overly casual settings; simpler language may be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of restraint" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something which limits, controls, or inhibits a particular action, behavior, or outcome. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe the origin or cause of limitation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a source of restraint" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that identifies a limiting or controlling factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage in varied contexts across news, science, and general informational domains. It is appropriate for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being limited or controlled, and consider simpler language for very informal settings. Related phrases such as "a limiting factor" or "a controlling influence" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. The primary sources for its usage include The New York Times and Forbes among others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limiting factor

Focuses on the aspect of setting a limit.

a controlling influence

Highlights the power to direct or manage something.

a check on behavior

Emphasizes preventing undesirable actions.

an inhibiting element

Stresses the act of hindering or slowing down.

a moderating force

Indicates bringing something into balance or within reasonable limits.

a regulatory mechanism

Implies a system for maintaining order or compliance.

a curbing effect

Highlights the reduction or suppression of something.

a brake on progress

Emphasizes slowing down or stopping advancement.

a disciplinary measure

Suggests a method for enforcing rules or standards.

a constraint on freedom

Points to a restriction on liberty or autonomy.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of restraint" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of restraint" to describe anything that limits actions, behaviors, or decisions, for example: "The budget cuts acted as a source of restraint on new projects."

What's a good alternative to "a source of restraint"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a limiting factor", "a controlling influence", or "a check on behavior".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a source of restraint"?

This phrase is suitable in formal writing or discussions where you want to emphasize the controlling or limiting aspect of something. It is frequently seen in contexts like economics, politics, or personal development.

What is the difference between "a source of restraint" and "a source of constraint"?

"A source of restraint" often implies a deliberate act of self-control or imposed control, while "a source of constraint" /s/a+source+of+constraint may simply refer to a limitation or restriction, without necessarily implying a controlling action.