is circumscribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is circumscribed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is limited, restricted, or confined within certain boundaries. Example: "The project is circumscribed by budget constraints, limiting our options for expansion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The intimacy is circumscribed.

The Guardian

Nate's world is circumscribed, as all our worlds are.

The Guardian - Books

And, finally, the monarchy, discussion of which is circumscribed by vigorously enforced lèse majesté laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every conversation between a guard and an inmate is circumscribed by tactical concerns.

The New Yorker

"Life is circumscribed geographically and in the ways islanders tacitly agree to behave," he continued.

The New York Times - Style

In the United States, though, that phenomenon is circumscribed by language and ethnicity.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is also evident that Mr Karzai's writ is circumscribed.

The Economist

But for Robert Wyatt, mental freedom is circumscribed: "I cannot will myself to limitless mutations," he mourns.

The Guardian - Music

But is she aware, I wonder, that her choice is circumscribed by "hidden persuaders" that play on raw emotions?

The New York Times - Magazine

(In a small and very open economy, national discretion in monetary policy is circumscribed in any case).

The Economist

Aaron's life is circumscribed by work, prayer and family, and he takes his duties in all three areas seriously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is circumscribed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is imposing the limitation and what is being limited for maximum clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is circumscribed" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "is limited" or "is restricted" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is circumscribed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being limited or restricted. Ludwig AI validates its usage and provides numerous examples demonstrating its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is circumscribed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, indicating that something is limited or restricted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its varied use across diverse contexts. While versatile, its formal tone makes it more suitable for academic, scientific, and news-related writing. Simpler alternatives such as "is limited" or "is restricted" may be preferred in more informal settings. Knowing when and where to use it ensures clarity and appropriateness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is limited

Replaces "circumscribed" with a more direct synonym.

is restricted

Similar to "limited" but emphasizes a more formal constraint.

is confined

Implies being held within boundaries or limitations.

is bounded

Focuses on the existence of explicit boundaries.

is defined

Highlights how the limitations shape the definition.

is governed

Emphasizes control by external forces.

is subject to

Highlights vulnerability to certain limitations.

is controlled

Emphasizes external regulation or influence.

is conditioned by

Highlights factors upon which limitations depend.

is dictated by

Emphasizes limitations arising from external authority or constraints.

FAQs

How to use "is circumscribed" in a sentence?

"Is circumscribed" is used to describe something that is limited or restricted. For example: "The project's scope "is circumscribed" by budget constraints."

What can I say instead of "is circumscribed"?

You can use alternatives like "is limited", "is restricted", or "is confined" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is circumscribed" or "is limited"?

Both "is circumscribed" and "is limited" are correct, but "is circumscribed" is generally more formal. Use "is limited" for more casual contexts.

What's the difference between "is circumscribed" and "is confined"?

"Is circumscribed" implies a boundary or restriction around something, while "is confined" suggests being enclosed or kept within specific limits. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.