could be restricted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be restricted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations or constraints that may apply to a particular subject or situation. Example: "Access to certain areas of the facility could be restricted for safety reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The European Convention recognised that it was not absolute and could be restricted if a state could show that restriction was necessary in a democratic society.

The Guardian

His license could be restricted or revoked.

The New York Times

The county blog could be restricted in its information today.

The Guardian - Sport

Their access to social support could be restricted.

The Economist

Vehicles crossing the zone could be restricted to the least-polluting fuels.

The New York Times

Loafers could live comfortably without lifting a finger.To prevent that, eligibility could be restricted.

The Economist

— Rita Kramer, Midtown Dr. Falcocchio: Delivery times could be restricted only with cooperation from businesses receiving deliveries.

The New York Times

That way, Labour losses could be restricted to perhaps a dozen or 20 seats rather than nearly all 41 seats.

The Guardian

They could be restricted to a modest (say 10percentt) interest in any pool buying assets from other banks.

The New York Times

Subscribers to pay services like HBO could be restricted from making more than one copy of programs from those services.

The New York Times - Tech

As an example, banks could be restricted to using deposits only for personal loans and the purchase of government bonds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be restricted", ensure that the reason for the restriction is clear to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who or what is imposing the restriction and the rationale behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "could be restricted" excessively in passive voice constructions, as it can make your writing sound vague and less direct. Instead, consider rephrasing the sentence to use an active voice to indicate who is doing the restricting. For example, instead of "Access could be restricted by the administrator", write "The administrator could restrict access".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be restricted" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a possibility or potential for something to be limited or constrained. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use across various domains, reflecting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be restricted" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed modal passive construction used to denote a potential limitation or constraint. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. This expression serves to communicate the possibility of limitations on access, eligibility, or usage, making it suitable for professional and academic communication. While it's crucial to provide clear context to prevent ambiguity, overuse can lead to writing that sounds vague. The alternative phrases, such as "might be limited" or "could be curtailed", offer subtle variations in meaning, providing writers with choices to fine-tune their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be limited

Indicates a possibility of limitation, slightly less forceful than restriction.

may be curtailed

Suggests a reduction or cutting short, implying a more abrupt limitation.

might be curtailed

Suggests that a reduction is likely to happen.

may be limited

Indicates a possibility of limitation.

could be curtailed

Suggests that something might be cut short.

could be curtailed

Indicates that a limitation is likely

may be constrained

Indicates possible limitations or constraints.

might be constrained

Indicates that something is susceptible to constraints.

could be hampered

Focuses on the potential for something to be impeded or hindered.

might be impeded

Something may be subject to impediments.

FAQs

How can I use "could be restricted" in a sentence?

You can use "could be restricted" to express a possibility of limitation or constraint. For example: "Access to the building could be restricted after 10 PM." or "The use of certain chemicals could be restricted due to environmental concerns."

What are some alternatives to "could be restricted"?

Some alternatives include "may be limited", "might be curtailed", "could be limited", or "might be constrained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "could be restricted" or "is restricted"?

"Could be restricted" expresses a possibility or potential future restriction, while "is restricted" indicates a current, existing restriction. The choice depends on whether you are describing a potential or actual limitation.

What's the difference between "could be restricted" and "should be restricted"?

"Could be restricted" implies a possibility, whereas "should be restricted" suggests a recommendation or obligation. "Could" indicates a potential action, while "should" expresses a normative judgment.