constrained them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constrained them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something has limited or restricted the actions or freedoms of others. Example: "The new regulations constrained them from pursuing their original plans for expansion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The mechanism was imperfect, and many producers felt it constrained them, but it basically worked to ensure stability in oil markets.

The New York Times

A combination of stewards and police constrained them although a season ticket and a scarf were hurled into the technical area.

The Guardian - Sport

AT long last, many Democrats say they can shed the conciliatory straitjacket that has constrained them since Sept. 11 and engage in genuine partisan politics.

The New York Times

Skeptics say the government is simply trying to co-opt youth culture, but others view the spread of festivals as an encouraging sign that rock, punk and heavy metal might finally have a stage free from the financial and political shackles that have constrained them.

The New York Times

It may be that evolution has constrained them such that they follow very good solutions but not quite the best".

BBC

Motivational profiles were significantly correlated with farmers' perceptions about what constrained them from implementing conservation based management systems.

Land Use Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She wants to liberate marginalia, not constrain them.

The New York Times - Books

Volumes of building and planning regulations constrain them.

The Guardian - Arts

Can't you do anything to constrain them?

The Guardian

Both resent U.S. security arrangements that constrain them, and Western objections to their human-rights records.

The New Yorker

At the beginning, some riders feared that any mainstream contest would constrain them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constrained them", ensure the context clearly identifies what is doing the constraining and what is being constrained to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The budget constraints constrained them from hiring new staff."

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of the constraint. "Constrained them" suggests a limitation, not necessarily a complete prevention. Use stronger verbs like "prevented" or "prohibited" if the action was entirely blocked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constrained them" functions as a verb phrase indicating a limitation or restriction imposed on a subject. This construction is used to describe how external factors or internal rules have limited someone's actions or possibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is used to express a restriction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "constrained them" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that indicates limitations or restrictions. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for describing how external factors impact individuals or groups. While the frequency is uncommon, it appears consistently in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When writing, ensure clarity about what is doing the constraining and avoid overstating the impact. Consider synonyms like "limited them" or "restricted them" based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited them

Focuses on the imposition of limits, often on the scope or extent of something.

restricted them

Emphasizes the setting of boundaries or rules that narrow the range of permissible actions.

restrained them

Focuses on controlling or suppressing emotions or actions.

impeded them

Highlights the act of obstructing or hindering progress or movement.

inhibited them

Suggests a suppression or holding back of natural impulses or actions.

curbed them

Implies a restraining or controlling force, often on undesirable behaviors.

held them back

Indicates a delaying or preventing of advancement or progress.

checked their power

Specifically refers to limiting the influence or authority of a group.

put them in check

Similar to "checked their power" but with a more forceful connotation.

circumscribed them

Emphasizes defining clear boundaries or limits around their activities.

FAQs

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

Use "constrained them" to indicate that someone or something has limited the actions or freedoms of others. For example: "The new regulations "constrained them" from pursuing their original plans".

What are some alternatives to "constrained them"?

Alternatives include "limited them", "restricted them", or "inhibited them", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "constrained them" or "limited them"?

Both "constrained them" and "limited them" are correct, but "constrained" often implies a more forceful or restrictive type of limitation than "limited".

What's the difference between "constrained them" and "restrained them"?

"Constrained them" typically refers to external limitations on actions or possibilities, while "restrained them" often implies controlling emotions or impulses. The choice depends on the specific context.