be done to limit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be done to limit" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a purpose or intention related to limiting something, but the construction is awkward and unclear. Example: "The changes will be done to limit the impact on the environment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Could something be done to limit this?

The New York Times

But what can be done to limit the damage?

The New York Times

What can be done to limit LNG emissions?

The Guardian

What can be done to limit similar scares in future?

The Economist

Mr. Dickinson said this will be done to limit the cost of publication.

The New York Times

What can be done to limit this risk of worldwide financial infection?

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

However, critics say that not enough has been done to limit the president's powers.

The Economist

Little has been done to limit the influence of ideas or organizations that lead young Muslims into terrorist training camps.

The New York Times

The administration claimed it was a security measure; the mayor's detractors felt certain it was done to limit access and stifle free speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Yábar told me that if it were up to him and most of his 24 workers, Choquequirao would remain unknown until more work had been done to limit the effects of tourism.

The New York Times - Travel

At least two other proposals are in the works.The case for privatisation or closure is clear: nothing has been done to limit the government's exposure to losses at Fannie and Freddie in a housing slump.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, replace the passive construction "be done to limit" with more direct and active language. Use phrases like "implement measures to curtail", "take steps to mitigate", or "develop strategies to restrict" to convey a stronger sense of agency and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions like "be done to limit" as they often weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, opt for active voice to clearly indicate who or what is performing the action. For example, instead of "Something must be done to limit the pollutants", write "We must limit the pollutants".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be done to limit" functions as part of a passive construction aiming to express the necessity of taking action to restrict or control something. However, as Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is not considered standard English and can be grammatically awkward.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be done to limit" appears with some frequency, Ludwig AI suggests that it is grammatically awkward and not considered standard English. Its purpose is to convey a need or intention to restrict or control something, yet its passive construction weakens its impact. For improved clarity and forcefulness, it is best practice to use active voice and stronger verbs, such as "implement", "curtail", or "mitigate". While commonly used in News & Media and Science contexts, opting for clearer alternatives will enhance the quality and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

measures to curtail

Focuses on reducing the extent or quantity of something, more direct than the original phrase.

steps to mitigate

Emphasizes lessening the severity or impact of something, with a slightly more formal tone.

actions to constrain

Highlights restricting or controlling something, suggesting a firmer approach.

efforts to curb

Implies restraining or checking something, often used in the context of undesirable activities.

ways to minimize

Focuses on reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

strategies to restrict

Suggests a planned approach to limiting or controlling something.

policies to regulate

Implies establishing rules or standards to control something, often within a formal framework.

interventions to decrease

Highlights actions taken to reduce something, often in a medical or social context.

approaches to control

Focuses on methods used to exercise restraint or direction over something.

tactics to suppress

Implies forcefully preventing something from developing or being expressed.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "be done to limit"?

You can use alternatives such as "measures to curtail", "steps to mitigate", or "actions to constrain" depending on the context.

Is "be done to limit" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, the phrase "be done to limit" is grammatically awkward and not considered standard English. It's better to use more direct and active constructions.

How can I make my writing more impactful when trying to convey the idea of limiting something?

Use active voice and stronger verbs. Instead of "be done to limit", try "implement", "curtail", "mitigate", or "constrain" to make your writing more direct and engaging.

What's the difference between "be done to limit" and "measures to curtail"?

While both phrases express the idea of limiting something, "measures to curtail" is more direct and grammatically sound. "Be done to limit" is a passive construction that can sound awkward and less impactful.