constrained to

USAGE SUMMARY

"constrained to" is a grammatically correct phrase that is used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which something or someone is obliged or limited in some way and has no other choice. For example: "We were constrained to work overtime on the project, as there was no other way to finish it within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Mahler, one feels constrained to add, means painter in German).

The New York Times - Arts

Before this, were you constrained to singing in the shower?

The Guardian

Bush was constrained to take exception to this publicly.

The New Yorker

High-tech intelligence fusion centers, for example, cannot be constrained to terrorism alone.

The New York Times

I mean they were almost constrained to use the Constitution to override the firm deadline.

The New York Times

Cross examination is not constrained to issues only raised in the direct examination.

The New York Times

In recent decades, a debt market has emerged that states are constrained to submit to.

The Guardian

Freedom of speech cannot be constrained to freedom to express one's own point of view.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Then you can transition from a constrained to a more generalized environment," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Trial judges are legally constrained to advise juries with rigorous impartiality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ricard says that he admires James, but feels constrained to add, "I would never write fiction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constrained to", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is imposing the constraint. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "constrained to" when describing preferences or suggestions. This phrase indicates a necessity, not a voluntary action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constrained to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being limited or compelled to perform an action. It typically follows a subject and precedes an infinitive verb, illustrating that the subject has no other choice but to comply.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "constrained to" is a versatile expression used to indicate a state of limitation or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. Its prevalence across various sources, particularly in science and news, underscores its utility in conveying restrictions imposed by external factors. While alternatives like "obliged to" or "forced to" exist, "constrained to" provides a formal and nuanced way to express the absence of choice. Be mindful to use "constrained to" accurately, ensuring the context justifies the sense of necessity it implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliged to

Implies a sense of duty or legal requirement, similar to being constrained.

forced to

Highlights the lack of choice, emphasizing external pressure.

required to

Emphasizes the necessity dictated by rules or standards.

bound to

Suggests a formal agreement or natural consequence leading to constraint.

compelled to

Highlights being driven by an irresistible force, internal or external.

limited to

Focuses on the restriction of options or scope.

restricted to

Similar to limited to, but can imply more formal or legal restrictions.

subject to

Indicates vulnerability or susceptibility to a condition or influence.

under obligation to

Formal way to express duty or commitment.

no choice but to

Directly conveys the lack of alternatives.

FAQs

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

Use "constrained to" to indicate a lack of alternatives due to an external force or obligation. For example, "The company was "constrained to" cut costs due to the economic downturn".

What's the difference between "constrained to" and "forced to"?

"Constrained to" often implies a reasoned or systemic limitation, while "forced to" emphasizes a more direct and possibly unwanted imposition. The nuances can be subtle, depending on context.

Which is more formal, "constrained to" or "limited to"?

"Constrained to" often carries a more formal tone, suggesting a stricter, possibly legally-binding, limitation. "Limited to" is generally more neutral. Understanding the context can assist to better phrase the idea.

What are some alternatives to "constrained to"?

Alternatives include "obliged to", "required to", or "bound to", each carrying slightly different connotations of obligation or necessity depending on the context.