be constrained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be constrained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is limited or determined by a particular factor. For example: "The company's financial resources were constrained by the effects of the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their range of alternatives may be constrained by wartime circumstance — more constrained than Cardona's.

The New Yorker

Our being, our thinking, and our action should not be constrained by national boundaries but by planetary ones.

Huffington Post

Ought theatre be constrained by ethical considerations?

The Guardian

Where the great would not be constrained by the small.

The New York Times - Arts

Will social enterprise thrive or be constrained by Big Society?

The Guardian

"Not for Apple to be constrained by it.

The Guardian - Tech

In any case don't be constrained by my recommendations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their ambitions for the affair won't be constrained by space.

The New York Times

Easier, because there is no need to be constrained by a reality that hasn't happened yet.

The New York Times - Books

She also appears to be constrained by her reading of domestic politics.

The New York Times

"If you don't have it, you'll be constrained by capacity and by speed of delivery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "limited by" or "restricted by" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with plural subjects when using "be constrained by". For example, instead of "The options is constrained by budget", use "The options are constrained by budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be constrained by" functions as a passive construction followed by a prepositional phrase. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes a situation where a subject is limited or restricted by an external force or factor, as seen in examples such as "Their ambitions for the affair won't be constrained by space."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be constrained by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote limitation or restriction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s appropriate for various contexts, with a strong presence in news, scientific, and business writing. While alternatives like "be limited by" or "be restricted by" exist, the choice depends on the nuance and context. Remember to ensure proper subject-verb agreement and clearly identify the limiting factor for clarity. This phrase serves to explain boundaries, dependencies, or unavoidable limitations, making it valuable for precise and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be limited by

This alternative directly replaces "constrained" with "limited", maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

be restricted by

This alternative uses "restricted" instead of "constrained", emphasizing a more formal or legal limitation.

be bound by

Using "bound" suggests a sense of obligation or necessity, adding a layer of commitment to the limitation.

be governed by

This alternative implies a regulation or control exerted by something, rather than a mere limitation.

be dictated by

This conveys a stronger sense of control, where something determines the course of action.

be shaped by

This focuses on influence and formation, rather than a direct restriction.

be influenced by

This suggests a more subtle effect where something has an impact without necessarily limiting.

be subject to

This indicates a vulnerability or susceptibility to something, implying potential limitations.

be determined by

This emphasizes that something is decided or established by a particular factor, implying limitation.

be contingent on

This highlights the dependence of something on specific conditions, suggesting a limitation based on circumstance.

FAQs

What does "be constrained by" mean?

The phrase "be constrained by" means to be limited or restricted by something. It indicates that options or actions are limited due to a particular factor or condition.

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

You can use "be constrained by" to indicate limitations. For instance, "The research was "limited by" available funding", or "The design choices "were restricted by" safety regulations".

What are some alternatives to "be constrained by"?

Some alternatives include "be limited by", "be restricted by", "be bound by", and "be governed by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Be constrained by" often implies a more forceful or unavoidable restriction, while "be limited by" can suggest a broader range of limitations. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.