as constrained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as constrained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate limitations or restrictions imposed on something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The project outcomes will be evaluated as constrained by the available resources and time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The movie is as constrained by its largely domestic (and largely interior) setting as by its blatant commercialism; it's the film of a director working much of the time with a hand tied behind his back.

The New Yorker

His son and successor, Bashar al-Assad, is widely seen as constrained by his father's old advisers.

The New York Times

Development of the offensive technology of war was not as constrained by technological and economic limitations as was defensive weaponry.

Britannica

Gaschnig, R. M. et al. Compositional evolution of the upper continental crust through time, as constrained by ancient glacial diamictites.

Nature

This is not the most clearly written opinion, and yet three times they refer to the legislative power as constrained by the state's constitution.

The New York Times

It is important to remember that small businesses won't be as constrained by tax laws, and could benefit from more favourable tax treatment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

One important question, then, is how AS is constrained by protein structural requirements while peptide sequences may be significantly changed in AS events.

Genome Biology and Evolution

As well as being constrained by having to make room for the keyboard, space has to be found to accommodate the bevels where BB10's gestures have to start.

TechCrunch

In qualitative research with GPs, we have found that they are often pessimistic about the effectiveness of advice as well as being constrained by lack of time and options for referral to education programs [ 10, 42].

BMC Family Practice

But these innocent collaborators, as warily constrained by law and custom as their director is determined not to be, add human heft to Mr. Zahedi's cinematic mission.

The New York Times

She suggested that gendered terms are not useful, and that boys, as much as girls, are constrained by them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as constrained by" to emphasize specific limitations or boundaries that directly affect the subject. This phrase works well in formal writing to highlight objective restrictions.

Common error

Avoid using "as constrained by" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "limited by" or "restricted by" are often more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as constrained by" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying the limiting factors or conditions. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as constrained by" is a prepositional phrase used to clearly indicate limitations or restrictions affecting a particular subject. Grammatically correct and commonly used in formal contexts, particularly within science, news and media, and business domains, it serves to emphasize objective boundaries. While versatile, it's best reserved for formal writing to avoid sounding stilted in casual settings. Ludwig examples show that using simpler alternatives like "limited by" or "restricted by" can be more appropriate for informal communication. Overall, understanding its proper context ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited by

A more direct and simpler alternative, suitable for general use. Lacks the formal tone.

restricted by

Similar to "limited by", but implies a stricter boundary or regulation.

influenced by

Focuses on the impact of something rather than a hard constraint.

governed by

Suggests a set of rules or principles that dictate the outcome.

subject to

Implies that something is conditional and can change based on external factors.

dictated by

Suggests a strong, controlling force that determines the outcome.

determined by

Focuses on what causes something to be a certain way.

shaped by

Emphasizes the formative effect of something over time.

dependent on

Highlights a relationship of reliance or contingency.

contingent upon

More formal way of saying "dependent on", often used in legal or official contexts.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to indicate restrictions or limitations. For example, "The project's scope was "as constrained by" the budget and timeline."

What's a simpler alternative to "as constrained by"?

You can use alternatives like "limited by" or "restricted by" for a less formal tone.

Is "as limited by" grammatically the same as "as constrained by"?

While both convey a sense of limitation, ""as constrained by"" often implies a more formal or objective restriction, whereas "limited by" is more general.

When is it best to use "as constrained by"?

Use "as constrained by" in formal or academic writing when you need to clearly define the specific limitations affecting a situation or outcome. It's suitable when discussing research parameters, project boundaries, or regulatory restrictions.