be constrained to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be constrained to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be forced or limited to do something. Example: "I was constrained to cancel my vacation plans due to the sudden work deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

High-tech intelligence fusion centers, for example, cannot be constrained to terrorism alone.

The New York Times

Freedom of speech cannot be constrained to freedom to express one's own point of view.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In the absence of immediate corrective measures, Pakistan will be constrained to consider response options," said Abdul Basit, the foreign ministry spokesman.

The Guardian

Or can be constrained to do so.

BBC

Transition areas should not be constrained to mobile robotics.

Robotics and Biomimetics

A lot of companies used to be constrained to operating in one region in the country.

Forbes

Natural gas was also shown to be constrained to equilibrium in molecular and isotopic compositions.

Geochemical Transactions

The interference generated from the SUs need to be constrained to protect the PUs.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

On the other hand, the system constraints impose that should also be constrained to satisfy (12).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The a parameters may be constrained to be equal or vary across items.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Analysing water networks online should not be constrained to classic hydraulic simulations.

Procedia Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be constrained to", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is imposing the constraint. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "be constrained to" in everyday conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "limited to" or "have to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be constrained to" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically indicating a state of limitation or obligation. Ludwig shows examples where it signifies external forces restricting actions or possibilities, like "Transition areas should not be constrained to mobile robotics."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be constrained to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a state of limitation or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various formal and semi-formal contexts like science, news, and business, although it might sound overly formal in casual conversations. Related phrases include ""be limited to"", "be restricted to", and "be forced to". When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context reveals the source of the constraint. While versatile, consider the register of your writing and opt for simpler alternatives when communicating informally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be limited to

Indicates a restriction to a specific scope or range, focusing on the boundaries.

be restricted to

Similar to "be limited to", but emphasizes a formal or imposed limitation.

be confined to

Indicates a physical or metaphorical enclosure within certain boundaries.

be forced to

Highlights the lack of choice and the presence of external pressure.

be compelled to

Emphasizes a strong internal or external pressure leading to a particular action.

be bound to

Implies a sense of duty or obligation, often legal or moral.

be obliged to

Similar to "be bound to", but often suggests a more formal or official requirement.

be required to

Focuses on a necessary condition or prerequisite for something.

be subject to

Highlights the vulnerability to a specific condition or rule.

be destined to

Implies an inevitable or predetermined outcome, often based on fate or circumstance.

FAQs

What does "be constrained to" mean?

The phrase "be constrained to" means to be forced or limited to doing something. It implies a lack of freedom or choice in a particular situation.

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

You can use "be constrained to" to indicate a limitation or obligation. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the department will "be limited to" essential projects only."

What are some alternatives to "be constrained to"?

Alternatives to "be constrained to" include phrases like ""be limited to"", "be restricted to", "be forced to", or "be obliged to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be constrained to" formal or informal?

"Be constrained to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like ""be limited to"" or "have to" might be more appropriate.