able to constrain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to constrain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or capability to limit or restrict something. Example: "The new policy is able to constrain excessive spending within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

We are able to constrain timescales and ages relatively accurately.

The Guardian - Music

"When Southwest entered a market, it was able to constrain price increases, even in concentrated markets," Professor Sager said.

The New York Times

"But if we were able to constrain our spending, then obviously bond holders and credit rating agencies would look more favorably on us".

The New York Times

Iran's Islamic revolutionaries and Russia's Vladimir Putin have both bet in different ways that a bruised Uncle Sam will not be able to constrain them.

The Economist

Hence, proposed method is able to constrain the high-order model needed for accurate registration.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Previous studies were not able to constrain this structure more precisely.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It is able to effectively constrain the parasitic rotation of all rigid stages and the cross-axis coupling of the motion stage.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Using a coronagraph on the Subaru telescope in Hawaii in 2005, astronomers were able to further constrain the size of a planet orbiting Vega to no more than 5 10 times the mass of Jupiter.

Wikipedia

However, we find more accurate results in subnetworks with more dimensions because the model is able to better constrain the research space when we increase the number of dimensions of a dimensional space.

BMC Genomics

Therefore, we present a distributed heuristic-based method for CSG in dynamic environments, called Dynamic Constrained Coalition Formation (DCCF henceforth), which is able to prevent constrained agents to form a coalition.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Without growth, the fiscal deficit will not be able to be constrained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to constrain", ensure that the subject performing the constraint is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The government is able to constrain spending" is clearer than "Spending is able to be constrained."

Common error

Avoid using abstract nouns as the subject of "able to constrain" when the actor is implied but not explicitly stated. Instead of saying "Policy is able to constrain...", specify who is implementing the policy: "The regulators are able to constrain..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to constrain" functions as a verb phrase expressing the capability or power to limit or control something. Ludwig AI indicates this construction is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to constrain" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase that signifies the capability to limit or control something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While alternatives like "capable of limiting" or "in a position to restrict" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of not using abstract nouns as subjects when it is required that you specify who is executing the constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of limiting

Replaces "able" with "capable", which has a similar meaning, maintaining the same level of formality.

in a position to restrict

Emphasizes the authority or power to impose limitations, adding a slightly more formal tone.

have the capacity to control

Focuses on the inherent ability and power to manage or direct something.

be empowered to regulate

Highlights the authorization or legal right to govern or control.

in a state to manage

This phrase emphasizes the condition or preparedness to handle something, suggesting an active role.

have what it takes to curb

Implies the necessary resources or qualities to restrain or reduce something, often undesirable.

find a way to restrain

Focuses on the process of discovering a method to control or limit something.

be up to holding back

Suggests the competence or capability to prevent something from progressing or developing.

succeed in reining in

Emphasizes the successful act of controlling or restraining something that was previously uncontrolled.

manage to keep in check

Focuses on the ability to maintain something under control, preventing it from exceeding acceptable limits.

FAQs

How can I use "able to constrain" in a sentence?

Use "able to constrain" to indicate the capacity or capability to limit or restrict something. For example: "The new regulations are "able to constrain" pollution levels effectively".

What are some alternatives to "able to constrain"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of limiting", "in a position to restrict", or "have the capacity to control depending on the context".

Which is correct: "able to constrain" or "able to be constrained"?

"Able to constrain" is used when the subject is actively doing the constraining. "Able to be constrained" implies the subject is being acted upon. For example: "The company is "able to constrain" costs" versus "Costs are "able to be constrained" by the company".

What's the difference between "able to constrain" and "trying to constrain"?

"Able to constrain" suggests the capacity to successfully limit something, while "trying to constrain" indicates an attempt, without guaranteeing success. Example: "The central bank is "able to constrain" inflation" (suggesting they have the means), versus "The government is trying to constrain spending" (suggesting an effort is being made).