cannot be constrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be constrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not able to be limited or restricted in any way. Example: "The creativity of the artist cannot be constrained by traditional methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

High-tech intelligence fusion centers, for example, cannot be constrained to terrorism alone.

The New York Times

Freedom of speech cannot be constrained to freedom to express one's own point of view.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The New Front in the Battle Against TB" (news article, May 20) provides an important reminder that tuberculosis is never an isolated threat -- it cannot be constrained to single outbreaks nor can it be limited by one continent's borders.

The New York Times

In the face of repeated presidential assertions that inhumane treatment does not count as torture and that the president cannot be constrained when it comes to interrogation, the law expressly prohibits cruel interrogation techniques.

The New York Times - Magazine

The distress due to chronic hunger, lack of health care and widespread displacement of the people, who constitute one sixth of mankind, cannot be constrained only by questions of national identity.

The New York Times

Because the number of stations used here is small, the source depths cannot be constrained well.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But its freedom would still be constrained: mutuals cannot, for instance, use their shares to buy other companies.

The Economist

Two binary-valued variables are said to be constrained if they cannot be simultaneously in a solution.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This rank deficiency implies that the penalty matrix cannot simultaneously constrain all the parameters (phi _i) in (Phi); only (r = M-m) of them would be constrained.

Earth, Planets and Space

NASA officials say they cannot estimate expenses with any precision until they see the recommendations, but Admiral Gehman has said the board "will not be constrained by cost".

The New York Times

Investment must be constrained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is attempting to impose the constraint.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be constrained" when a restriction is merely difficult to implement, not fundamentally impossible. Overstating the impossibility can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be constrained" functions as a passive construction indicating the impossibility of limiting or restricting something. Ludwig AI's examples show its use across diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility in expressing inherent limitlessness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot be constrained" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that expresses the impossibility of limiting or restricting something. Ludwig AI confirms its presence across various domains, particularly in science and news media. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. While effective, it's crucial to avoid overstating impossibility and to ensure that the context clearly identifies what is attempting to impose the constraint. Consider alternatives such as "cannot be limited" or "cannot be restricted" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be limited

Focuses on the inability to set boundaries or limits.

cannot be restricted

Highlights the lack of restrictions or regulations.

cannot be contained

Emphasizes the impossibility of holding something within bounds.

cannot be restrained

Indicates an absence of control or suppression.

cannot be confined

Highlights the inability to keep something within a specific space or scope.

cannot be impeded

Focuses on the impossibility of hindering or obstructing something.

cannot be curtailed

Highlights the inability to reduce or cut short.

cannot be checked

Emphasizes the lack of control over something.

cannot be governed

Indicates an inability to control or regulate something.

cannot be regulated

Focuses on the absence of rules or regulations.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be constrained" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be constrained" to describe something that inherently resists limitation or restriction. For example, "Artistic expression "cannot be constrained" by rigid rules."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be constrained"?

Alternatives include "cannot be limited", "cannot be restricted", or "cannot be contained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "cannot be constrained" or "can't be constrained"?

"Cannot be constrained" is more formal. "Can't be constrained" is a contraction and is suitable for informal contexts. The former is preferable in academic or professional writing.

When is it inappropriate to use "cannot be constrained"?

Avoid using "cannot be constrained" if the restriction is merely difficult or challenging but not entirely impossible. In such cases, phrases like "difficult to constrain" or "hard to limit" might be more accurate.