are rather limited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are rather limited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has constraints or restrictions in scope or capacity. Example: "The resources available for this project are rather limited, so we need to prioritize our tasks carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

RESTAURANTS Dining options in Zlin are rather limited.

The New York Times - Travel

All too many of them are rather limited and restricted.

The New York Times

However, data about GH18 family are rather limited in Crustacea.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology

So the Heat's bench options are rather limited.

The New York Times - Sports

Opportunities for promotion and annual raises are rather limited.

The New York Times

Despite continuous efforts, types of CoMn2O4 nanostructures reported are rather limited at current research.

Nature

And fourthly subjects are rather limited in their ability to distinguish effects of insole design modifications.

Procedia Engineering

But the second point is that my sympathies for Mr Carroll are rather limited.

The Economist

By contrast, pine martens live in mature forests, where opportunities for such vandalism are rather limited.

Independent

Reports of human and pig cysticercosis are rather limited and based largely on anecdotal evidence.

Parasitology International

However, studies on nonlinear ME coupling in layered composites with nano-scale thickness which have unique superiorities are rather limited.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are rather limited", clarify the specific area or aspect that is constrained to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "are rather limited" when the limitations are actually severe; choose a stronger phrase like "are severely restricted" or "are extremely limited" to accurately reflect the degree of constraint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are rather limited" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a moderate level of restriction or constraint. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples showing its use in describing various limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are rather limited" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase indicating a moderate degree of restriction or constraint. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related content. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being limited. While generally neutral in register, consider stronger alternatives like "are severely restricted" if the limitation is significant. Remember, "are rather limited" is a nuanced expression that strikes a balance between acknowledging constraints without overstating them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are somewhat restricted

Indicates a slight degree of limitation; less emphatic than "rather limited".

are fairly constrained

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the presence of external constraints.

are quite restricted

Indicates a notable degree of limitation, similar to "rather limited".

are somewhat circumscribed

A more formal way of expressing limitations within defined boundaries.

are relatively narrow

Focuses on a limited scope or range.

are fairly finite

Emphasizes the existence of a clear boundary or limit.

are moderately curtailed

Highlights the action of reducing or restricting something.

are reasonably bounded

Similar to 'finite', but suggests limits are reasonable or expected.

are noticeably restricted

Emphasizes that the limitations are easily observed.

are materially limited

Focuses on the tangible or significant impact of the limitations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are rather limited" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "are somewhat restricted", "are fairly constrained", or "are quite restricted" depending on the context.

What does "are rather limited" mean?

The phrase "are rather limited" indicates that something has constraints or restrictions, but not to an extreme degree. It suggests a moderate level of limitation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are rather limited"?

Use "are rather limited" when you want to express that something is somewhat restricted but not entirely inadequate. It's suitable when the constraints are noticeable but not crippling.

Which is a more formal alternative to "are rather limited"?

A more formal alternative is "are somewhat circumscribed", which suggests limitations within defined boundaries.