is restrained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is restrained by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is limited or controlled by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The project is restrained by budget limitations, which affects its overall scope."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And pressure for higher pay is restrained by tax credits.

The Guardian - Opinion

She screams and he is restrained by some of the passengers.

The New York Times

Out of the water, the shark is restrained by its bulk.

The New Yorker

He is restrained by our institutions and every day those institutions work we feel relieved.

The Guardian - Business

Meanwhile, in deflated Europe, Angela Merkel's hand is restrained by the ghost of ancient inflation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Inside the historic former post office, the taste is restrained by Trump standards.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, end effect of SNR-EMD is restrained by extrema mirror extension (EME).

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Rosewater is a torturer, but insists he is restrained by "Islamic kindness", and is generous with his tea and biscuits.

The Guardian

Unusually, your child is restrained by an adjustable impact shield cushion instead of a traditional five-point harness.

Independent

Vogler's intense and febrile sound is restrained by classical discipline and enriched by a searching musical intelligence.

The New Yorker

Now their spending is restrained by a law introduced last year which requires new sources of revenue to be found.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is restrained by", ensure that the limiting factor is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The experiment's scope is restrained by budget constraints."

Common error

Avoid using "is restrained by" without specifying what exactly is doing the restraining. A sentence like "Progress is restrained" lacks clarity; it should be revised to indicate the specific cause, such as "Progress is restrained by a lack of funding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is restrained by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something is being limited or controlled by an external force or factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is restrained by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction, indicating that something is limited or controlled by a specific factor. It is commonly found in science, news, and academic contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's essential to specify the restraining factor for clarity. Alternatives like "is limited by" or "is constrained by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "is restrained by" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is limited by

Focuses on the restriction or boundary imposed on something.

is constrained by

Emphasizes the restrictions and limitations imposed on something, often by external forces or circumstances.

is checked by

Highlights the act of monitoring and controlling to prevent excessive action.

is controlled by

Suggests a management or regulation that keeps something within specified bounds.

is governed by

Implies a system of rules or principles that dictate the boundaries of action.

is regulated by

Emphasizes formal rules and oversight that restrict certain actions.

is bound by

Highlights legal or moral obligations that limit freedom of action.

is curbed by

Focuses on reducing or controlling undesirable activity or behavior.

is impeded by

Emphasizes the obstacles or hindrances that slow down or prevent progress.

is hampered by

Suggests that something is made difficult or less effective due to certain conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "is restrained by" in a sentence?

Use "is restrained by" to indicate that something is being limited or controlled by a specific factor. For example: "Her enthusiasm "is restrained by" the team's cautious approach".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is restrained by"?

You can use alternatives such as "is limited by", "is constrained by", or "is checked by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is limited by" or "is restrained by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Is restrained by" suggests a force holding something back, while "is limited by" simply indicates a boundary or restriction. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "is restrained by" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "is restrained by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, consider whether a more precise alternative, such as "is governed by", might be more appropriate.