be constrained from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be constrained from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is prevented or restricted from doing something. Example: "The new regulations will be constrained from allowing any further development in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

(Dogs are another matter; mine has to be constrained from tearing off and lolloping for miles).

The New York Times

There's also been chatter that Barr might be constrained from releasing information gathered during grand jury proceedings.

The Washington Post

We show how the orbital inclination of non-transiting exoplanets can be constrained from their observed polarization parameters.

Princeton University

The Coalition clearly never liked the Gonski model and did not want to be constrained from pursuing its own policy agenda in government.

The Guardian

Pause a moment, right there: Would students in any other area be constrained from transferring when and to where they wanted to?

The New Yorker

Houses in Newcastle could represent good value and be affordable to first-time buyers, but lenders would be constrained from granting loans.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

What is it, precisely, that people are constrained from saying?

The Guardian - Opinion

Pension schemes and mutual funds are constrained from borrowing money.

The Economist

It was constrained from gathering information independently, limiting itself to material presented by the two sides.

The New York Times

The F.B.I. is constrained from spying on American citizens and visitors without probable cause.

The New Yorker

Businesses routinely use the information, but the bureau has been constrained from using those services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrasing if a more direct or forceful expression is needed; "prevented", "restricted", or "prohibited" may be more suitable in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be constrained from" vaguely. Clearly specify what is imposing the constraint to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "They are constrained from acting," specify "They are constrained from acting due to budget limitations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be constrained from" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a state of being restricted or prevented from performing an action. It often introduces a reason or cause for the limitation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be constrained from" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express limitations or restrictions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrates its reliability. Remember to clearly indicate the source of the constraint for clarity. Consider alternatives like "be prevented from" or "be restricted from" for greater emphasis. This phrase finds utility across news, scientific, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be prevented from

Direct replacement emphasizing a barrier that makes an action impossible.

be restricted from

Focuses on an imposed limitation, often by rules or laws.

be prohibited from

Implies a formal ban or interdiction against an action.

be barred from

Suggests exclusion from a place or activity.

be inhibited from

Highlights internal or external factors hindering action.

be impeded from

Emphasizes difficulty or obstruction in performing an action.

be deterred from

Focuses on discouraging someone through fear or doubt.

be dissuaded from

Highlights convincing someone not to do something.

be refrained from

Emphasizes voluntary holding back from an action.

be limited from

Indicates a boundary or restriction on scope or extent.

FAQs

What does "be constrained from" mean?

The phrase "be constrained from" means to be restricted or prevented from doing something, often due to rules, limitations, or other external factors.

Which is more appropriate: "be constrained from", "be prevented from" or "be restricted from"?

While all three phrases are similar, "be prevented from" implies a direct obstruction, "be restricted from" suggests a limitation imposed by rules, and "be constrained from" is a more general term indicating any form of limitation.

Can "be constrained from" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "be constrained from" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing limitations or restrictions in a neutral tone. However, in some contexts, stronger verbs like "prohibited" or "barred" might be more effective.

What are some alternatives to "be constrained from"?

You can use alternatives like "be prevented from", "be restricted from", "be prohibited from", or "be limited from" depending on the context.