circumscribed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumscribed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that something is restricted or limited by an outer boundary. For example, "Our freedom of speech is circumscribed by laws against hate speech and libel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That responsibility cannot be circumscribed by statute".

The New York Times

Their existences were circumscribed by poverty.

The New York Times

It shouldn't be circumscribed by the evidence.

The New York Times - Science

Her upbringing was privileged, yet strictly circumscribed by social norms.

The Guardian

Yet Mr. Thiebaud has never been circumscribed by his locale.

The New York Times - Arts

But his influence was circumscribed by his reluctance to publish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

For the purpose of this exhibition, Surrealism isn't circumscribed by date.

The New York Times

"Captive Genders" envisions a world in which their lives are not circumscribed by prison.

The New Yorker

His life, like so many others around here, has been circumscribed by conflict.

The New York Times

And, finally, the monarchy, discussion of which is circumscribed by vigorously enforced lèse majesté laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "circumscribed by", ensure the context clearly identifies what is imposing the restriction or limitation. For example, "The project's scope was circumscribed by budget constraints."

Common error

Avoid using "circumscribed by" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. Instead of "The area was circumscribed by a fence", consider "A fence circumscribed the area".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumscribed by" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, indicating a limitation or restriction. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circumscribed by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a limitation or restriction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in written English. This phrase appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a formal register. While alternatives like "limited by" or "confined by" exist, "circumscribed by" provides a more precise sense of defined boundaries. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the source of the limitation. By keeping this in mind, you can effectively use "circumscribed by" to add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited by

Indicates a restriction to a certain extent or degree.

bounded by

Implies a physical or metaphorical boundary that defines the limits.

confined by

Suggests being restricted to a specific space or set of conditions.

restricted by

Highlights the imposition of rules or limitations.

defined by

Focuses on the characteristics or qualities that establish limits.

governed by

Emphasizes the influence of rules or principles in setting boundaries.

controlled by

Suggests that an external force is determining the limits or scope.

subject to

Indicates that something is conditional upon or influenced by specific factors.

influenced by

Implies that external factors are shaping or affecting something's boundaries.

determined by

Focuses on the factors that dictate the scope or extent of something.

FAQs

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

Use "circumscribed by" to indicate that something is restricted or limited by something else. For example, "His career choices were "limited by" his family's expectations".

What are some alternatives to "circumscribed by"?

You can use phrases like "limited by", "bounded by", or "confined by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "circumscribed by" or a simpler phrase like "limited by"?

"Circumscribed by" is more formal and suggests a clearly defined boundary or restriction. "Limited by" is more general. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What does "circumscribed by" imply about the nature of the limitation?

It implies that the limitation is a defining characteristic or boundary, often suggesting that the limitation is significant or inescapable. For a more casual way to say it, consider using "defined by".