can be constrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be constrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations or restrictions that can be applied to something, such as a process, system, or behavior. Example: "The project's scope can be constrained by budget limitations and time constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their use of short-term debt can be constrained so that they can survive runs by uninsured short-term creditors.

The New York Times

Limiting the selection streamlines manufacturing, and without technology-intensive amenities like navigation and electronic antiskid systems, development costs can be constrained.

The New York Times

"Ultimately these administrative directives can be constrained by technological feasibility, cost-effectiveness and procedural due process, among other things," the majority on the court said.

The New York Times

Linking choice and responsibility is right in many ways, so long as we acknowledge that choice can be constrained in ways other than by force or overt coercion.

The New York Times

It is also vastly increasing its oversight of financial markets, to look for evidence of emerging bubbles that can be constrained by regulation.

The New York Times

Even if the local subsidiary is well-capitalised, its loan portfolio can be constrained by the weaker capitalisation of the overall group.

The Economist

Or can be constrained to do so.

BBC

Again, a borrower can be constrained either for supply constraint or demand constraint.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The reconstruction technique employs a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, which can be constrained by an arbitrary number of morphological descriptors.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Together, the emplacement duration for the ~500-m-thick basalt can be constrained to less than ~6 Myr.

Earth, Planets and Space

Moreover, as an improvement, the filter dynamics can be constrained to some specific regions inside the unit open disk.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be constrained", clearly state what is doing the constraining. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "can be constrained" excessively in passive constructions, as this can lead to vague or weak sentences. Consider active voice alternatives for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be constrained" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or potential for something to be limited or restricted. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be constrained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal passive construction that expresses the possibility of limitations or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and diverse applications. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "may be limited" and "could be restricted". When using this phrase, it's best to clearly identify what is imposing the constraint and to avoid overuse in passive voice to maintain clarity and impact. Its frequency and authoritative source usage underscore its reliability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be limited

Indicates a possibility of restriction, similar to "can be constrained", but with a slightly weaker sense of certainty.

could be restricted

Suggests a potential for limitation, emphasizing possibility over direct constraint.

might be influenced

Highlights the impact of external factors, shifting focus from direct limitation to indirect influence.

is subject to limitations

Emphasizes the condition of being affected by restrictions, framing it as an inherent characteristic.

is susceptible to constraints

Highlights vulnerability to limitations, implying a weaker position or susceptibility.

is regulated by

Focuses on control through rules or laws, changing the emphasis from general limits to formal control.

is governed by

Similar to 'is regulated by', suggesting more formal or structured limitations.

is checked by

Suggests that something is being monitored to ensure it doesn't surpass a limit.

is bounded by

Emphasizes specific limits or boundaries that something cannot exceed.

is determined by

Shifts focus to factors that dictate the extent or nature of something, rather than direct limitations.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be constrained" to indicate that something's scope, extent, or behavior is subject to limitations or restrictions. For example, "The project's budget "can be constrained" by available funding."

What can I say instead of "can be constrained"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may be limited", "could be restricted", or "might be influenced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be constrained" or "should be constrained"?

"Can be constrained" indicates a possibility, while "should be constrained" implies a recommendation or necessity. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

What factors determine how something "can be constrained"?

Factors that determine how something "can be constrained" vary widely depending on the context. They might include budget limitations, resource availability, regulatory requirements, or physical boundaries.