held back by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held back by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is being restrained or prevented from progressing or achieving something. Example: "She felt held back by her lack of experience in the field, which made her hesitant to apply for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is friendliness held back by indoctrination.

Independent

Productivity is held back by poor education and training.

The Economist

Across Europe, business is held back by bureaucracy.

The Economist

Potential spenders are also held back by systemic issues.

The New Yorker

But Italy is held back by a leaden bureaucracy.

The Economist

Growth is also held back by red tape.

The Economist

Gains were held back by a mixed outlook for employment.

The New York Times

Able to achieve, but held back by money.

The Guardian - Opinion

I believe we are being held back by Europe".

The Guardian

Are career women really held back by a glass ceiling?

The Guardian - Opinion

Business is expanding, but is being held back by local red tape and corruption.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held back by", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the subject being held back and the specific factor causing the restraint. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague references when specifying what is causing the restraint. Instead of saying "the project was held back by issues", specify the issues: "the project was held back by funding constraints and regulatory delays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held back by" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe the state of something being restrained or impeded. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held back by" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is being restrained or hindered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both the subject being held back and the factor causing the restraint. While alternatives like ""hindered by"" and ""restrained by"" exist, "held back by" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying the idea of something being impeded.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hindered by

Indicates a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes the act of impeding progress.

restrained by

Suggests a limitation or control imposed by an external factor.

impeded by

Emphasizes the obstruction or blockage of progress due to a specific obstacle.

hampered by

Highlights the difficulty in making progress due to adverse conditions or circumstances.

constrained by

Implies limitations imposed by restrictions or boundaries.

limited by

Indicates that something is restricted in scope, amount, or extent.

stifled by

Conveys a sense of suppression or suffocation, hindering growth or development.

inhibited by

Suggests a psychological or social barrier preventing free expression or action.

curtailed by

Implies a reduction or restriction in extent or quantity.

suppressed by

Indicates the forceful prevention or control of something.

FAQs

How can I use "held back by" in a sentence?

You can use "held back by" to describe a situation where something is prevented from progressing. For example: "The company's growth was "held back by" outdated technology".

What are some alternatives to "held back by"?

Some alternatives to "held back by" include "hindered by", "restrained by", or "impeded by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "held back because of" instead of "held back by"?

While "held back by" is more concise, "held back because of" is also grammatically correct and can be used to emphasize the reason for the restraint. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and style.

What's the difference between "held back by" and "limited by"?

"Held back by" suggests an active force preventing progress, while "limited by" indicates a restriction or boundary. For example: "innovation was "held back by" bureaucracy", and "resources were "limited by" the budget".