constrain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "constrain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a force or factor that limits or restricts something. For example: "The tight budget constrained our ability to purchase new supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ISC says it agrees and recommends that the new surveillance law should list each intrusive capability available to MI5, MI6 and GCHQ and the human rights obligations that constrain their use.

The Guardian

In a statement, Lohvinau staff warned that their case sets "a legal precedent to constrain and repress" publishing, distribution and discussion across Belarus, pointing to a number of cases of non-state newspapers and magazines being closed.

The Guardian

In what the president called a "historic understanding", Iran agreed on Thursday to a framework deal that would dramatically constrain its nuclear program in return for the gradual lifting of economic sanctions.

The Guardian

People who have never heard of John Stuart Mill believe it is better for an individual to encompass their own destruction rather than for society to compromise with the "evil of allowing others to constrain him for what they deem to be his good".

The Guardian - Opinion

However, she warns: "But that might put them in a more vulnerable position as higher levels of debt along with higher interest costs might constrain their ability to repay the debt and reduce their available cashflow".

The Guardian

But future cancer patients will have much to hope for, especially if lots of rival treatments emerge, since that should constrain their prices.

The Economist

TALKS in Lausanne between Iran and six world powers on a ground-breaking deal to constrain its nuclear programme, in return for the staged lifting of sanctions, were continuing past a March 31st deadline as The Economist went to press.

The Economist

From the nuclear bomb to traffic rules, mankind has used technical ingenuity and legal strictures to constrain other powerful innovations.The spectre of eventually creating an autonomous non-human intelligence is so extraordinary that it risks overshadowing the debate.

The Economist

Green pressure groups start leaning on government, and governments pass laws to constrain companies from damaging the environment.

The Economist

This sounded like a plea to Congress to constrain the presidency, because the man in the oval office will never voluntarily give up any powers that might help to prevent future attacks.

The Economist

That would do little to constrain America's potential spending, except perhaps on cotton and sugar.The chief reason for urgency is to complete a deal before George Bush leaves office.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constrain", ensure that the subject being constrained and the source of the constraint are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is being limited and by what force.

Common error

Avoid using "constrain" when you mean simply to 'influence' or 'affect'. "Constrain" implies a definite limitation or restriction, not merely a modification. Make sure that you are correctly implying the verb's strong limiting nature.

Linguistic Context

Constrain primarily functions as a verb. As Ludwig AI shows, the verb is used to indicate that something limits or restricts something else. It implies a force or factor that holds something back or imposes a restriction on it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constrain" is a verb used to express that something limits or restricts something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, business, and academic contexts. When writing, be sure to use "constrain" when you want to communicate the imposition of limits or restrictions. Related terms include "limit", "restrict", and "inhibit", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember that the authoritative nature of its sources and consistent application solidify "constrain" as a reliable verb in various written forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limit

Focuses on setting a boundary or upper threshold, implying a restriction in quantity or extent.

restrict

Emphasizes imposing a rule or regulation that prevents free action or movement.

inhibit

Highlights the hindering or slowing down of a process or action, often internally or psychologically.

restrain

Suggests holding back or controlling an impulse or emotion, implying a degree of self-control or external force.

curtail

Implies reducing or cutting short something, often a privilege or activity.

impede

Focuses on obstructing progress or making it difficult for something to advance.

hinder

Similar to impede, but often suggests a less significant or impactful obstruction.

circumscribe

Emphasizes defining the limits or boundaries of something very precisely.

control

Highlights the power to direct or influence behavior or events.

regulate

Focuses on governing or directing according to rule.

FAQs

How can I use "constrain" in a sentence?

Use "constrain" to indicate a limitation or restriction. For example, "Budgetary limitations "constrain" the scope of the project", illustrating how a budget restricts project possibilities.

What are some alternatives to "constrain"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "limit", "restrict", or "inhibit". Each carries slightly different nuances of limitation.

Is it better to use "constrain" or "limit"?

"Constrain" implies a more forceful restriction than "limit". "Limit" is generally used for setting boundaries, while "constrain" suggests something is actively being held back or restricted. Therefore, when the limitation is actively imposed or strongly felt, "constrain" is more fitting.

How does "constrain" differ from "restrict"?

"Restrict" is used to specify a rule or regulation that limits action, while "constrain" emphasizes the imposition of a more general limitation or force. You might "restrict" access to a building, but resources might "constrain" your ability to build a new one.