being circumscribed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being circumscribed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe something that is limited or restricted by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The project was being circumscribed by a lack of funding, which hindered its progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kafka's sense of being circumscribed by a wall of Brahmsian noise can be viewed as an acute understanding of the limits of tonality itself; limits that at precisely this time were being pushed up against by Kafka's composing compatriots – in particular Leos Janacek, who some four years later was to become an associate, if not exactly a close friend, of the ubiquitous Brod.

The Guardian - Books

King Louis XVI was still on his throne, but his powers were being circumscribed by a constituent assembly.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Where big-budget films have traditionally been circumscribed by a single theme, these films are circumscribed by a single ZIP code.

The New York Times

Yet a thirty-year friendship of unusual intimacy was circumscribed by a subject that they never discussed.

The New Yorker

A future Fed chairman's power could "be circumscribed by a more formal policy-making process," Mr. Feroli said.

The New York Times

The entire 1.7-mile oceanfront is circumscribed by a walk that's lined with well-kept rose gardens, benches, piers and tidy strips of sand.

The New York Times

Even after a general election due in 2015, the opposition will be circumscribed by a constitution enshrining the army's dominance.

The Economist

Both the search for the truth and the right to vote are of paramount importance, but they are circumscribed by a higher, overarching concern the general welfare of our democracy...

The New York Times

Now, even if the Brotherhood's presidential candidate, Mohamed Morsi, wins the runoff, his power may be circumscribed by a military-issued interim constitution as well as the generals' hold on legislative power, at least until new parliamentary elections are held.

The New York Times

Because much of the material that the Met has to work with is from the nineteenth century—every note is circumscribed by a dead composer's intentions and, in most cases, more than a century of performance tradition a general manager can make his mark only in creative new stagings.

The New Yorker

Both the search for the truth and the right to vote are of paramount importance, but they are circumscribed by a higher, overarching concern the general welfare of our democracy.... Inherent in the law are the basic concepts of fairness, reliability, and predictability; and the constitutional safeguards of due process and equal protection were designed to promote these interests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being circumscribed by a", ensure that the limiting factor is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The project was being circumscribed', specify 'The project was "being circumscribed by a" lack of resources'.

Common error

Avoid using "being circumscribed by a" in simple sentences where a more direct verb like "limited" or "restricted" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being circumscribed by a" functions as a modifier, indicating a state of limitation or restriction. It's used to describe how something is confined or restricted by a specific factor. Ludwig AI indicates that this is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being circumscribed by a" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of limitation or restriction by a particular factor. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, the phrase is relatively rare in common usage. The contexts in which it appears most frequently are News & Media and Scientific publications. When writing, ensure the limiting factor is explicitly stated for clarity and consider simpler alternatives like "limited by" or "restricted by" in less formal contexts. Avoid overuse in simple sentences to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being limited by a

This alternative directly replaces "circumscribed" with "limited", simplifying the language but retaining the core meaning of restriction.

being restricted by a

Similar to 'limited', "restricted" provides a direct synonym, emphasizing the constrained nature of something.

being confined by a

"Confined" suggests being enclosed or restricted within boundaries, adding a sense of containment.

being constrained by a

"Constrained" implies a force or pressure that limits freedom or action, highlighting external influences.

being defined by a

"Defined" shifts the focus to how something is shaped or characterized by a particular factor, rather than just limited.

being determined by a

"Determined" suggests that a factor is decisive in influencing or controlling something, implying a strong causal relationship.

being governed by a

"Governed" implies a rule or principle that controls or directs something, often in a more structured or formal context.

being shaped by a

"Shaped" emphasizes the influence a factor has on forming or molding something, often over time.

being influenced by a

"Influenced" suggests a more subtle or indirect effect, where a factor affects but does not completely control something.

being bounded by a

"Bounded" suggests limits or boundaries define the scope or extent of something, similar to "circumscribed" but with a clearer spatial connotation.

FAQs

What does "being circumscribed by a" mean?

The phrase "being circumscribed by a" means that something is limited, restricted, or confined by a particular factor or condition. It implies that the scope or extent of something is narrowed by a specific constraint.

How can I use "being circumscribed by a" in a sentence?

You can use "being circumscribed by a" to describe situations where something's potential or scope is limited. For example, "The project's success was "being circumscribed by a" tight budget", or "His career was "being circumscribed by a" lack of opportunities".

What are some alternatives to "being circumscribed by a"?

You can use alternatives like "being limited by a", "being restricted by a", or "being confined by a" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning of restriction or limitation.

When is it appropriate to use "being circumscribed by a" instead of "limited by a"?

"Being circumscribed by a" is suitable when you want to emphasize the boundary or constraint affecting something. "Limited by a" is a more general term for restriction, while "being circumscribed by a" adds a nuance of clearly defined limits or boundaries affecting the subject.