are restricted to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are restricted to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that something is limited or confined to a specific group, category, or set of options. Here are some examples: - The use of cell phones in the library is restricted to designated areas only. - Our budget for this project is restricted to $10,000. - Guests are restricted to the pool area after 10pm. - You are restricted to choosing from the options provided. - The study's findings are restricted to individuals aged 18 and above. In these examples, "are restricted to" is used to indicate a limitation or constraint on something. It can be used in formal or informal writing, as well as in spoken language.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Citizens are restricted to the religious laws of their faith.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not all of the kimonos are restricted to Japanese motifs.

The New York Times

"They are restricted to nonmarketable Treasuries," he added.

The New York Times

Some funds are restricted to buying United States Treasury obligations.

The New York Times

Golf courses are restricted to watering only fairways and greens.

The New York Times

Foreigners are restricted to travel in 436 "open" localities.

The New Yorker

The California races are restricted to fillies and mares.

The New York Times - Sports

However, these are restricted to horizontal transmission among neighboring plants16.

Nature

Brown forest soils are restricted to humid Galicia and Cantabria.

Britannica

Departmental records are restricted to permission of office of origin.

Cornell University

Boxes 6-8 arestrictedtod to permission of donor.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternative phrases like "are limited to" or "are constrained by" for nuanced expression and to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "are restricted to". Actively construct sentences where the subject performs the action to improve clarity and directness (e.g., instead of 'Access is restricted to members,' write 'Only members have access.').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are restricted to" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject's scope, access, or attributes are limited or confined. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are restricted to" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate limitations or constraints. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academic writing. While often neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider actively constructing sentences where the subject performs the action to improve clarity. Related alternatives such as "are limited to" or "are constrained to" can offer nuanced expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "are restricted to" to convey clear and precise limitations in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are limited to

Emphasizes a limit or boundary, often interchangeable but can sometimes imply a formal upper bound.

are confined to

Suggests a more physical or spatial limitation, though usable in abstract contexts as well.

are constrained to

Highlights the presence of external forces or conditions that impose a limit.

are subject to

Indicates that something is under the control or influence of something else, implying a restriction.

are bound by

Implies a legal or moral obligation that restricts freedom of action.

are governed by

Indicates that rules or principles dictate the limits of what is allowed.

are dictated by

Suggests that external factors or requirements determine the boundaries.

are determined by

Highlights that specific factors or conditions establish the limits.

are earmarked for

Implies that resources or items are specifically designated and limited to a particular purpose.

fall under the purview of

Indicates that something falls within the scope or authority of a specific entity or rule, limiting its application elsewhere.

FAQs

How can I use "are restricted to" in a sentence?

Use "are restricted to" to indicate limitations or constraints. For example, "These parking spaces are restricted to permit holders", or "The software features are restricted to premium subscribers".

What is a more formal alternative to "are restricted to"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "are limited to", "are constrained to", or "are subject to", which offer similar meanings with a more formal tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are restricted to"?

While "are restricted to" is in the passive voice and grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes improve clarity. For instance, instead of "Access is restricted to employees", consider "Only employees have access".

What's the difference between "are restricted to" and "are limited to"?

While very similar, "are restricted to" often implies a formal rule or regulation that enforces the limitation, while "are limited to" can suggest a more general boundary or upper limit. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.