constriction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constriction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to narrowing, tightening, or restriction, often in medical, physical, or metaphorical discussions. Example: "The constriction of the blood vessels can lead to increased blood pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Meanwhile visitors report a variety of strange goings-on, including cold spots, glasses that appear to fly from behind the bar and sudden feelings of constriction around the neck.

The Guardian - Travel

These, it is supposed, dilate as a reflex reaction to the initial constriction, and the pressure thus produced triggers pain.

The Economist

Longer-term, this view could lead to higher mortgage rates, a constriction in mortgage credit lending or both, outcomes that would be inconsistent with FHFA's mandate to promote stability and liquidity in mortgage markets and access to mortgage credit.Felix Salmon responds:[T]the weirdest thing about this argument is that the horribles aren't particularly horrible.

The Economist

By modifying the AHL protein to create a constriction within the nanopore, Dr Bayley showed that it is possible to ensure that the variation in current is determined by a single base, which can then be identified.

The Economist

This is solely an acute mechanism for regulating blood pressure; as has been shown in numerous experiments the kidneys can always compensate if the constriction is maintained, by removing fluid from the system until pressure is restored.Professor Paton's work is a beautiful series of investigations into the neural pathways of the baroreflexes.

The Economist

At this point it should be clear that excessively miserly behaviour by governments and central banks can have nasty feedback effects, leading to a slow constriction of growth that worsens political, social, and structural economic problems and makes a future disaster more probable.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Pinch effect, self-constriction of a cylinder of an electrically conducting plasma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The format isn't entirely new – an episode of Modern Family did exactly the same thing a couple of months ago – but it is a canny set of formal constrictions to impose upon oneself as a film-maker, and writer Nelson Greaves and director Levan Gabriadze outdo themselves with it for a goodly portion of the movie.

The Guardian - Film

The first highlights the clash between long-term demographic pressures and the constrictions of planning policy.

The Economist

And we have helped low-income people get housing.Local governments are maintaining programmes that aid people who are homeless or unemployed, despite severe budget constrictions.

The Economist

Even without the constrictions of the Soviet system, it is extraordinary that he should have found his way out at all.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, use "constriction" to accurately convey the narrowing of vessels or passages, as in "the constriction of blood vessels".

Common error

While "constriction" accurately describes physical narrowing, consider alternatives like "limitation" or "restriction" when referring to abstract concepts or freedoms, to prevent sounding overly clinical.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "constriction" is as a noun. It typically refers to the act of constricting, the state of being constricted, or something that constricts. As Ludwig AI says, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

54%

News & Media

10%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constriction" is a noun that describes the process or state of something becoming narrower or tighter. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and widely used in English, especially in medical, economic, and physical contexts. Primarily found in encyclopedias and news sources, it carries a neutral to formal tone. While it effectively conveys physical narrowing, remember to consider alternatives like "limitation" or "restriction" in more abstract contexts. Be careful to use "constriction" only when a physical impediment exists, and that will help you achieve more clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrowing

Focuses on the process of becoming less wide or extensive.

tightening

Emphasizes the act of making something firmer or more secure.

contraction

Highlights the process of decreasing in size or becoming drawn together.

restriction

Indicates a limitation or control imposed on something.

compression

Suggests the act of pressing something together, reducing its volume.

obstruction

Implies something that blocks or prevents movement or flow.

impediment

Denotes something that hinders or obstructs progress.

limitation

Indicates a boundary or restricting condition.

curtailment

Emphasizes the reduction or restriction of something.

stricture

Implies a critical remark or a restriction on behavior.

FAQs

How is "constriction" typically used in a sentence?

"Constriction" is often used to describe a narrowing or tightening, as in "the "constriction of blood vessels"" or "the constriction of a passage".

What are some alternatives to using "constriction"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "narrowing", "tightening", "restriction", or "compression".

When is it appropriate to use "constriction" over "restriction"?

"Constriction" is best used when referring to a physical narrowing or tightening. "Restriction" is more appropriate when referring to limitations or controls imposed on something.

What does "constriction" mean in a medical context?

In medicine, "constriction" often refers to the narrowing of a blood vessel, airway, or other passage in the body, which can impede flow or function.