be limited by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be limited by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing constraints or restrictions that affect a person, object, or situation. Example: "The project's success may be limited by the available resources and time constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need not be limited by our weaknesses, nor limited to our strengths.

Huffington Post

Limitations: Their scope of practice may be limited by their supervising physician and state laws.

Huffington Post

Access can be limited by licensing.

The Economist

We needn't be limited by geography.

The Guardian

"And maybe we'll be limited by that.

The New York Times

I've never let myself be limited by my background, though.

The Guardian - Arts

They will not be limited by time and place, either.

The Guardian - Opinion

But their choices will be limited by finance and circumstance.

The Guardian

Why should voters' choices be limited by artificial categories?

The Economist

The settlement's impact will also be limited by state law.

The New York Times

She's saying her identity can't be limited by another culture".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be limited by" to objectively state restrictions without implying blame or negativity.

Common error

While "be limited by" is in passive voice, overuse can make your writing sound weak. Whenever possible, rephrase to use active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "Progress was limited by the weather", try "The weather limited progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be limited by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject's scope, capacity, or potential is restricted or constrained by a specific factor. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes existing boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be limited by" is a common and versatile phrase used to express constraints and limitations across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for indicating restrictions imposed on a subject by external factors. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. While effective, writers should be mindful of potential passive voice overuse and consider active voice alternatives for greater impact. By understanding its usage and exploring related phrases, you can effectively convey limitations in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be restricted by

Emphasizes a formal or imposed restriction.

be constrained by

Highlights a more general sense of being held back or confined.

be bounded by

Suggests a clearly defined limit or boundary.

be governed by

Indicates that something is controlled or determined by certain rules or factors.

be dictated by

Highlights that something is determined by something else

be subject to

Indicates that something is vulnerable to or affected by something else.

be defined by

Focuses on how something is determined by specific characteristics or conditions.

be influenced by

Implies that something is affected or shaped by other factors.

be regulated by

Indicates control through rules and laws.

hinge on

Indicates dependency or being decided by a factor

FAQs

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

The phrase "be limited by" indicates a restriction or constraint. For example, "The project will "be limited by" the budget" or "Creativity should not "be limited by" fear of failure".

What are some alternatives to "be limited by"?

Alternatives include "be restricted by", "be constrained by", or "be governed by", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be limited by"?

While "be limited by" is passive, consider using the active voice for stronger writing. Instead of "Growth is limited by resources", you could say "Resources limit growth". This often results in more direct and impactful sentences.

What does it mean when something "be limited by" something else?

It means the first thing's scope, extent, or ability to function is reduced or controlled by the second thing. It represents the idea of restriction or boundaries set by another factor.