Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
constraining to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "constraining to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express limitations or restrictions related to a specific subject or action. Example: "The new regulations are constraining to our ability to innovate in the industry."
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(9)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
11 human-written examples
The partitions, he explained, were too constraining to drivers and reduced visibility.
News & Media
During the early months of writing, I found it constraining to be looking at this calamity over the shoulder of a child.
News & Media
However, the low spectral resolution is not sufficiently constraining to achieve a good fit with reasonable errors in standard spectral fitting analysis.
Academia
For a densified thickener, an algorithm has been developed to determine the maximum permitted underflow solids flux, qmax, assuming any possible solids volume fraction at the top of the bed and the maximum underflow solids flux, qmu, constraining to the initial undensified gel point at the top of the bed.
Science
In sum, compactness is not functionally required, and even it were, it is not constraining to the creation of fair maps.
News & Media
If 37 pieces of clothing sound a bit constraining to you, here are some examples of just how varied a capsule wardrobe can be.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
49 human-written examples
I am constrained to dissent from it.
Academia
We are constrained to reverse this conviction.
Academia
Segment length constrained to be < 17667.6 um.
Academia
(Mahler, one feels constrained to add, means painter in German).
News & Media
Bush was constrained to take exception to this publicly.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "constraining to", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited or restricted. For better clarity and flow consider replacing it with more common alternatives such as "limiting to" or "restricting to".
Common error
Avoid using "constraining to" in informal contexts where a more direct phrase would be more effective. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "constraining to" functions as a gerund phrase + preposition, often acting as a modifier to describe the act of limiting or restricting something. Ludwig examples indicate its use in contexts involving rules, boundaries or condition. However Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is not commonly used in written English.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Academia
30%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "constraining to" is grammatically acceptable but not very common, serving to indicate limitation or restriction within a particular context. According to Ludwig's AI, its use may sound awkward, and the examples suggest that it is most frequently encountered in scientific, academic, and news media contexts. Alternative phrases like "limiting to" or "restricting to" may offer better clarity and flow. Although the phrase is understandable, carefully evaluate your audience and purpose before opting to use "constraining to".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
limiting to
Focuses on setting a specific upper bound or boundary.
restricting to
Emphasizes a stricter and more controlled limitation.
narrowing down to
Implies reducing options or scope to a more focused selection.
confining to
Suggests keeping something within certain boundaries or limits.
subjecting to
Highlights that something is made vulnerable to a specific condition or rule.
bounding to
Similar to limiting, but gives a mathematical or spatial sense of boundary.
conditioning to
Adds the notion of requirements or prerequisites being fulfilled.
circumscribing to
Indicates defining limits precisely and often formally.
inhibiting to
Focuses on preventing or slowing down an action or process.
governing to
Implies rules or principles that dictate the range or nature of something.
FAQs
What does "constraining to" mean?
"Constraining to" means limiting or restricting something to a specific scope, condition, or action. It suggests something is forced to operate within certain boundaries.
Is "constraining to" grammatically correct?
While grammatically acceptable, "constraining to" may sound awkward in some contexts. More common alternatives like "limiting to" or "restricting to" might be preferable.
When should I use "constraining to" in writing?
Use "constraining to" when you want to emphasize a deliberate act of limiting something to a specific set of parameters, especially in technical or formal writing. Consider alternatives for broader audiences.
What are some phrases similar to "constraining to"?
Similar phrases include "limiting to", "restricting to", "confining to", or "subjecting to", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested