constraints

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constraints" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to limitations or restrictions that affect a situation or decision-making process. Example: "The project faced several constraints, including budget limitations and tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Within these constraints, whatever performance we are getting is very good".

The Guardian

Lucian Cook of property firm Savills says the £12,000 limit on savings should prevent a surge in house prices and means the scheme is "more likely to help get buyers over the deposit hurdle in the lower-value, lower-growth markets of the Midlands and the north than say London and the south-east, where significant constraints remain".

The Guardian - Money

Their recommendation that this new legal framework must be based on an explicit avowal of intrusive surveillance capabilities and spell out authorisation procedures, privacy constraints, transparence requirements, targeting criteria and the rest is also significant.

The Guardian

To worry about whether the federal government will make you purchase broccoli (or, as Chief Justice Roberts suggested today, a cellphone) is silly because political constraints will prevent this from happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

The late, libidinous, Alan Clarke's Diaries tell you more than any academic study about the reality of politics, about the relationship between politicians and civil servants, the way individuals exploit power, and the way the apparently powerful strive to achieve within the structures and constraints in which they operate.

The Guardian

Nina Osborne, individual employer: "I think people have been working hard to find ways of maintaining and improving quality despite financial constraints.

The Guardian

Responding to the Law Commission's recommendations, the Ministry of Justice explained that "without certainty as to the offsetting savings which might be achieved, when set against current resource constraints it is not feasible to implement the proposals in full at this time".

The Guardian

"I learned to teach children without all these constraints around me, of league tables, tests and so on".

The Guardian

There are some legal constraints governing their power to examine the content of those communications, but there are no technical limits on the ability either of the agency or its analysts to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

The way I observe people changes – I am able to step away from myself more easily, from the constraints of my own life and experience and understand them for who they are.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And if you feel the pinch of the same constraints, you're black too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management, be specific about the nature of the "constraints". Are they related to budget, time, resources, or scope? Clearly identifying the type of constraint enhances clarity and facilitates effective problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid treating "constraints" in isolation. Recognize that changes to one constraint (e.g., reducing budget) often have ripple effects on others (e.g., extending deadlines or reducing scope). Address them holistically to prevent unintended consequences.

Linguistic Context

The word "constraints" primarily functions as a noun, typically plural, denoting limitations or restrictions that affect or control a particular situation, process, or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "constraints" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe limitations or restrictions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. When using "constraints", consider the interrelated nature of different limitations and aim for specificity in defining the type of constraint. Synonyms like "limitations" or "restrictions" can offer alternative wording, though the best choice depends on context. This guide offers practical advice and addresses common usage questions to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limitations

Refers to the state of being limited or restricted, often interchangeable but sometimes implying a degree of inadequacy.

restrictions

Implies a rule or regulation that limits what can be done or what is allowed.

limitations and restrictions

Combined phrase emphasizes both the finite capacity and imposed rules affecting action or scope.

qualifications

Conditions or requirements that must be met, often used in legal or formal contexts.

conditions

Refers to the circumstances or factors affecting a process or state, often implying a requirement.

restraints

Emphasis on holding something back, either physically or metaphorically, often implying a controlling force.

caveats

A warning or proviso of specific stipulations, limitations, or conditions.

impediments

Something that hinders or obstructs progress or action.

encumbrances

Anything that is a burden or obstacle.

barriers

Something that prevents movement or access.

FAQs

How can I use "constraints" in a sentence?

You can use "constraints" to describe limitations or restrictions on something. For example, "Due to budget "constraints", the project's scope was reduced." or "The design had to work within the "constraints" of existing technology."

What are some synonyms for "constraints"?

Synonyms for "constraints" include "limitations", "restrictions", "restraints", and "qualifications". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "constraints" and "limitations"?

"Constraints" often refer to external factors that restrict options or actions, while "limitations" can refer to internal capabilities or inherent restrictions. However, they are often used interchangeably. For example, financial restrictions are constraints, while someone's physical ability may impose personal limitations.

Are "constraints" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "constraints" often present challenges, they can also foster creativity and innovation by forcing you to think outside the box. For example, design "constraints" can lead to more ingenious design solutions.