are constrained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are constrained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate limitations or restrictions imposed on someone or something. Example: "The researchers are constrained by the available funding, which limits the scope of their study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Politicians are constrained by public opinion.

The New York Times

Exports are constrained by the strong dollar.

The New York Times

Both leaders are constrained by domestic political considerations.

The New York Times

Furrowed with sexual anxiety and ignorance, all are constrained by parental uptightness.

The Guardian

Our choices are constrained by the options available in our communities.

The New York Times - Magazine

When budgets are constrained by austerity, the arts are expendable and under great threat.

The Guardian

People are constrained by their times but their emotions are universal.

The Guardian - Books

Many potential female participants cannot undertake any paid work because they are constrained by household responsibilities.

The Guardian

It's that too many Americans are constrained by outdated gender roles and financial insecurity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Companies seeking to export are constrained by Russia's pipeline system, currently at full capacity.

The New York Times

In other words, both our bodily movements and our thinking are constrained by certain laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are constrained by", ensure the subject and the constraint are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who or what is limited and what is causing the limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "are constrained by" when an active voice would provide a clearer and more direct statement. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound weak and convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are constrained by" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that a subject is being limited or restricted by an external force or factor. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to express limitations in various contexts, such as political, economic, or scientific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are constrained by" is a versatile expression used to indicate limitations or restrictions affecting a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and business. It functions as a passive verb phrase with a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "are limited by" or "are restricted by" exist, understanding the specific context is crucial for precise communication. The phrase's common occurrence in authoritative sources and diverse fields underscores its importance in both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are limited by

Indicates a restriction to a specific extent or degree.

are restricted by

Implies rules or conditions that prevent certain actions or outcomes.

are bound by

Suggests a legal or moral obligation that imposes constraints.

are governed by

Focuses on the regulatory frameworks that impose limitations.

are subject to

Highlights the conditional nature of something being under a particular influence.

are dictated by

Highlights the power of a specific influence that determines actions.

are determined by

Emphasizes that something is decided or established by particular factors.

are influenced by

Indicates a less forceful constraint, focusing on the impact of external factors.

are controlled by

Signifies a direct and active limitation imposed by an external agent.

are shaped by

Suggests that something is formed or developed under certain influences.

FAQs

How can I use "are constrained by" in a sentence?

Use "are constrained by" to indicate limitations or restrictions imposed on a subject. For example, "Scientists "are constrained by" budget limitations".

What are some alternatives to "are constrained by"?

You can use alternatives such as "are limited by", "are restricted by", or "are bound by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "are constrained by" or "are limited by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "are limited by" might be more suitable when referring to a specific extent or degree, while "are constrained by" implies a more general restriction or compulsion.

What does "are constrained by" mean?

The phrase "are constrained by" means being limited or restricted by something, whether it's a rule, a lack of resources, or other circumstances.