constraining

USAGE SUMMARY

"constraining" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe situations where someone or something is limiting or restricting another person or thing. For example, "The small budget was constraining to the production team, who had to find creative ways to make the project work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Equally, more grants to support the creation of apprenticeships and constraining the growth of energy bills for heavy energy users are the industrial equivalent of apple pie and motherhood – a matter of little controversy and useful at the margin, but hardly transformative.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Insecurity and lack of funding are constraining Unicef's ability to reach affected children," the report concludes.

The Guardian

Neither is it apparent that China sees such an evolution as in its interests.The most important question may be whether rigidities in the system are constraining enough to make another big crisis likely.

The Economist

Those debts, they say, appear to be constraining recovery, blunting monetary expansion and limiting the political appeal of fiscal stimulus.

The Economist

With China constraining bank lending, all those concepts are now in doubt.To me, it's a timely reminder that QE is not the only influence.

The Economist

Given that governments are reluctant to make themselves unpopular by taxing consumers or constraining companies, there is probably a need for a bit of both.That leaves the hardest bit of the puzzle: the politics.

The Economist

If a national dialogue on Social Security achieves nothing, the prospects for constraining any other entitlement programme are grim.The cowardice surrounding spending cuts makes the obsession with cutting taxes still further even harder to forgive.

The Economist

FOR a government allegedly keen on constraining the state and advocating greater transparency, the coalition has some big ideas about electronic surveillance and an appetite for what critics are calling "secret justice" in court cases.

The Economist

Only a lack of import infrastructure is constraining demand growth there, he argues.Industrialisation and electrification in the developing world will require a lot of new power stations.

The Economist

Shell says: "We do not see governments taking the steps now that are consistent with the 2°C scenario," that is, constraining carbon emissions so as to limit the rise in global surface temperatures to 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

The Economist

But shareholders have a poor record in constraining red-blooded CEOs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constraining", ensure that the subject being limited or restricted is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "constraining" without specifying what exactly is being constrained. Overly broad statements can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "constraining" is as a verb in its present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing action that is limiting or restricting something else. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constraining" functions as a verb, denoting the act of limiting or restricting something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the subject being limited is clearly defined. Alternatives like "restricting" or "limiting" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Being mindful of these aspects will help you effectively use the term in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Restricting

Focuses on setting limits or boundaries, often by imposing rules or laws.

Limiting

Emphasizes setting a maximum or reducing the scope of something.

Restraining

Implies holding back or controlling an action or impulse.

Inhibiting

Suggests hindering or preventing a process or action from occurring.

Curbing

Indicates a reduction or control, often of something undesirable.

Impeding

Focuses on obstructing or slowing down progress.

Hindering

Suggests creating obstacles or difficulties.

Stifling

Implies suppressing or suffocating something, often creativity or growth.

Imposing limitations on

Explicitly states the act of putting restrictions in place.

Putting the brakes on

Idiomatic expression meaning to slow down or stop something.

FAQs

How can I use "constraining" in a sentence?

Use "constraining" to describe something that limits or restricts. For example, "Lack of funding is "constraining research"" or "Regulations are "constraining business growth"".

What are some alternatives to "constraining"?

Alternatives include "restricting", "limiting", "inhibiting", or "curbing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "constraining" and "restricting"?

"Constraining" implies a limitation or restriction that may not be absolute, whereas "restricting" often suggests a more definitive limit or boundary.

What kind of situations is "constraining" best suited for?

"Constraining" is well-suited for situations where forces or factors are actively hindering or limiting progress, development, or freedom, rather than imposing a hard stop. For instance, it can highlight the impact of a specific factor (such as a limited budget) on the overall operation.