constrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limitation or restriction placed on something or someone. Example: "The project was constrained by a tight budget, which limited our options for materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Of those surveyed, 91% are willing to spend more than they do on their health," he says, and clearly this group isn't constrained by a lack of resources.

The Guardian - Money

"It is not just people who want to come out about their sexuality, it is also people who may feel constrained in any way about what people think of them.

The Guardian

However, what we were certain of is something that we see as a growing trend in our work for many of our clients – which is that people are feeling more and more financially constrained, and are proactively seeking ways to monitor and control where and how they spend their money.

The Guardian

A subsequent Occupy protest in November was even more constrained after the fenced-off area had been expanded.

The Guardian

Australian growth will be constrained as the global economy lurches towards deflation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Together, the bloc is thought to have constrained less climate-friendly stances from China or India.

The Guardian

In addition, we've been slightly constrained by the system we've used to implement this change, and the alternative was having avatar images so small you couldn't tell what was on them.

The Guardian

And I have seen how the force is constrained, from resources to the legal structure to the general environment in the country.

The Guardian

The report also noted CBP's ability to recreate a full timeline of events was "constrained" by not having access to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's documentation, because Amsa "did not support the creation of new documentation which touched on AMSA's statutory duties".

The Guardian

We're heading into a carbon constrained world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Snowden said in Hong Kong that he was sacrificing himself in order to save the world from a system like this one, which is "constrained only by policy documents".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constrained", ensure the context clearly indicates what is imposing the limitation, whether it's resources, regulations, or external forces.

Common error

Avoid using "constrained" when a simple lack of something is the issue; instead, use "limited". "Constrained" suggests an active force or condition imposing a limit, not merely an absence.

Linguistic Context

The word "constrained" primarily functions as an adjective, often describing something that is limited or restricted in scope or freedom. Ludwig examples show it frequently modifying nouns related to resources, budgets, or actions, indicating a state of limitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

21%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constrained" is a versatile adjective used to describe limitations or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Formal & Business and Scientific publications. When employing "constrained", clarity is key—ensure the source and nature of the limitation are evident. Consider synonyms like "limited" or "restricted" for nuanced meanings. Remember, "constrained" implies an active force imposing a limit, unlike a simple lack. Therefore, choosing the appropriate synonym is crucial for accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited

Focuses on the finite nature of resources or abilities.

restricted

Implies a rule or regulation that imposes a limit.

bound

Suggests being physically or morally obligated or restricted.

curtailed

Indicates a reduction or cutting short of something.

inhibited

Highlights the hindering or preventing of an action or expression.

circumscribed

Emphasizes the drawing of a boundary or limit around something.

restrained

Implies self-control or external forces preventing free action.

checked

Suggests a sudden halt or slowing down of progress.

regulated

Indicates control through rules and standards.

governed

Implies being controlled or directed by rules or principles.

FAQs

How can I use "constrained" in a sentence?

Use "constrained" to describe a situation where something is limited or restricted, such as "Our budget was heavily "constrained", which affected our choices."

What are some alternatives to using "constrained"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "limited", "restricted", or "inhibited".

What's the difference between "constrained" and "restricted"?

"Constrained" often implies a more general limitation due to circumstances, while "restricted" suggests a formal or legal limitation. For example, "access was "restricted" by the new policy", versus "our options were "constrained" by lack of funding".

Is it correct to say "constrained by" something?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Constrained by" is a common construction to indicate what is imposing the limitation, for instance, "The project was "constrained by" a tight deadline".