constrained by

USAGE SUMMARY

"constrained by" is a valid phrase in written English and can be used to describe a situation where someone is restricted by a certain factor or limitation.
For example: His options were constrained by the limited resources available.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he was constrained by two things.

The New York Times

Teaching has been constrained by technology.

The Economist

Reality isn't constrained by studio notes.

The New York Times

Oprah's not constrained by that".

The New York Times

Constrained by these prior beliefs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ought theatre be constrained by ethical considerations?

The Guardian

Politicians are constrained by public opinion.

The New York Times

And sometimes he was constrained by deals.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Pataki is also constrained by circumstance.

The New York Times

Exports are constrained by the strong dollar.

The New York Times

Because it's too constrained by the technology".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constrained by" to clearly indicate the specific factor that is imposing a restriction. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "constrained by" in overly complex sentences where simpler alternatives like "limited by" or "restricted by" would improve readability. Choose the clearest and most concise option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constrained by" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate a limiting factor or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constrained by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote limitations or restrictions imposed by a particular factor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Scientific and Academic writing. While grammatically sound and frequently employed, consider opting for simpler alternatives like ""limited by"" or ""restricted by"" for enhanced clarity in complex sentence structures. Remember that effective communication lies in choosing the most precise and easily understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited by

Focuses on the imposed boundaries or upper limits.

restricted by

Highlights the presence of specific rules or conditions causing a restriction.

bound by

Emphasizes the obligatory nature of the limitation, often due to a commitment or rule.

impeded by

Suggests that progress or action is being hindered or slowed down.

hampered by

Implies difficulty in making progress due to certain obstacles.

hindered by

Similar to hampered, but with a slightly stronger sense of obstruction.

governed by

Stresses that the constraint comes from a set of regulations or principles.

controlled by

Implies external forces or entities determining the limitations.

dictated by

Highlights that the limitation is imposed authoritatively and without choice.

circumscribed by

Indicates that something is contained within a defined boundary or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "constrained by" to indicate limitations or restrictions. For example, "The project was constrained by a tight budget".

What are some alternatives to "constrained by"?

Alternatives include "limited by", "restricted by", or "bound by", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "constrained by" in formal writing?

Yes, "constrained by" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, as it clearly and precisely indicates a restriction or limitation.

What's the difference between "constrained by" and "limited by"?

"Constrained by" often implies a stronger sense of restriction or obligation, while "limited by" simply indicates a boundary or upper limit.