is constrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is constrained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an idea, action, or object that is restricted or held back in some way, either by a physical barrier or an abstract force such as rules or regulations. For example, you might say, "The number of visitors to the museum is constrained by the size of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Patterns are disrupted; life is constrained.

The New York Times

"So their room for maneuver is constrained".

The New York Times

But the European Central Bank's crisis role is constrained.

The New York Times

His search is constrained by the high price of gas.

The New York Times

The Met is constrained by its footprint in Central Park.

The New York Times - Arts

Their world is constrained, their relationships seldom anything but fraught.

The Guardian - Books

American power is constrained by the danger of escalation.

The Economist

The result is constrained consumer spending and a sputtering recovery.

The New York Times

What are the models by which imagination is constrained?

Independent

In practical terms, this means all reform is constrained.

The Economist

In practice, he will find that his power is constrained.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "is constrained" with a specific 'by' phrase to explain the source of the restriction, such as "is constrained by budget" or "is constrained by law".

Common error

While "is constrained" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive constructions. Sometimes, an active voice construction can make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Progress is constrained by bureaucracy", consider "Bureaucracy constrains progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is constrained" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is being acted upon or limited by an external force or condition. As seen in Ludwig, this construction is widely used to describe limitations in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is constrained" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate limitation or restriction. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and demonstrates its presence across varied contexts like News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. When employing this phrase, writers should prioritize clarity regarding the source of limitation and be mindful of passive voice overuse. Alternatives such as "is limited" or "is restricted" can offer stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is restricted

Emphasizes a rule or law that limits something.

is limited

Focuses on the finite nature of something, setting a boundary.

is confined

Highlights the physical or metaphorical enclosure of something.

is hampered

Indicates that something is made difficult or slow.

is impeded

Suggests an obstacle is preventing progress or movement.

is curtailed

Implies a reduction or cutting short of something.

is checked

Focuses on preventing undesirable behavior.

is regulated

Indicates control through rules and laws.

is governed

Suggests control by principles or systems.

is subject to

Highlights that something is affected by an external force or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "is constrained" in a sentence?

The phrase "is constrained" indicates that something is limited or restricted. For example, "The project "is constrained" by a lack of funding" or "Her movement "is constrained" due to the injury".

What are some alternatives to "is constrained"?

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

What does it mean when something "is constrained"?

When something "is constrained", it means it's being held back or limited by certain factors, such as resources, regulations, or physical boundaries. The degree of limitation can vary from slightly hindered to severely restricted.

Is there a difference between "is constrained" and "is restrained"?

While both indicate limitation, "is constrained" often refers to limitations imposed by external forces or circumstances, while "is restrained" implies a deliberate holding back or control. For example, "His behavior "is restrained" by his good manners" versus "The budget "is constrained" by economic factors".