be limited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be limited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is restricted or constrained in some way. Example: "The resources available for this project may be limited, so we need to prioritize our tasks accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Space may be limited.

The New York Times

Anyway, blogging may be limited.

The New York Times

Your budget might be limited.

The New York Times

Housing options may be limited.

The New York Times

This, it says, will be limited.

Independent

The international impact, too, would be limited.

The Economist

These may not be limited to Enron.

The Economist

Cooper would be limited to those damages.

The New York Times

Leases will be limited to five years.

The Economist

But his influence may be limited.

The New York Times

The options, however, will be limited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be limited", clearly specify what is being limited and the reason for the limitation to provide clarity and context. For example: "Access to the database will be limited due to maintenance."

Common error

Avoid using "be limited" without specifying what is being limited. For example, instead of saying "Resources will be limited", specify "Financial resources will be limited due to budget cuts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be limited" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being subjected to a restriction or constraint. Ludwig shows numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe limitations in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be limited" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb phrase that conveys a restriction or constraint. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and shows its prevalence across diverse contexts. While "be limited" is widely acceptable, it's crucial to provide clear context about what is being limited to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives such as "be restricted" or "be constrained" for nuances in meaning. Remember to always specify the scope or cause of the limitation for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be restricted

Indicates a formal constraint or restriction.

be constrained

Suggests a limitation due to specific circumstances or forces.

be curtailed

Implies a reduction or cutting short of something.

be finite

Emphasizes the limited quantity or extent of something.

be kept within bounds

Highlights the need to maintain something within specific limits.

be subject to limitations

Formally acknowledges the presence of restrictions.

have boundaries

Focuses on the existence of defined limits.

be checked

Indicates that something is being controlled or restrained.

be circumscribed

Suggests that something is precisely defined and restricted.

be demarcated

Indicates that something is clearly marked and limited.

FAQs

How can I use "be limited" in a sentence?

You can use "be limited" to indicate that something is restricted or constrained. For example: "The number of participants will "be limited" to 20" or "Access to the building will "be limited" after 10 PM."

What can I say instead of "be limited"?

You can use alternatives like "be restricted", "be constrained", or "be curtailed", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be limited to" or "be limited at"?

"Be limited to" is the correct phrasing when specifying the scope or extent of the limitation. "Be limited at" is generally not used in this context.

What's the difference between "be limited" and "be restricted"?

While both phrases indicate a constraint, "be limited" is generally broader. "Be restricted" often implies a formal or enforced limitation, whereas "be limited" can also refer to natural or inherent constraints.