is restrained to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is restrained to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or incorrect in many contexts.
It can be used when indicating that something is limited or confined to a specific scope or area, but it is more typical to use "is restricted to" instead. Example: "The study's findings are restrained to a specific demographic, limiting its broader applicability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He chafes a bit, because he is restrained to Sanitation.

The New Yorker

Prague's musical heritage is no secret, but often it is restrained to concert halls and the occasional club.

The New York Times

The proposed controller is well-defined in the sense that control effort is restrained to practical limits.

Automatica

Calculation of the free energy can run into convergence issues unless the ligand is restrained to the protein through anchoring atoms in the binding site.

Nature

During the wing-array cracks' propagation and coalescence, the other crack's growth is restrained to a certain extent due to the release of stress concentration.

Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics

In tribute to that composure, the movie is restrained to a degree that will strike some viewers as exasperating, or even perverse, and that others will deem properly heroic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Nearby another 2-year-old child, a boy, was restrained to his bed, too.

The New York Times

For some the performance might have been restrained to the point of ponderousness.

The New York Times

They were tart, wincingly so, rather than refreshing, and the flavour was restrained to the point of minimalism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Three of the eight children in the room were restrained to their beds at the time the authorities visited.

The New York Times

The column ends were restrained to examine the effects of axial restraint on the beam and the joints.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is restrained to", ensure that the context clearly indicates a limitation or restriction, avoiding ambiguity by specifying what is being limited and to what extent.

Common error

Avoid using "is restrained to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is limited to" or "is confined to" for better clarity and tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is restrained to" functions as a passive construction indicating limitation or restriction. Ludwig's examples show it used across varied source types indicating constraints in scope, application, or effect. It clarifies boundaries within a given context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is restrained to" effectively conveys limitations or restrictions, finding its primary usage in scientific and news-related contexts. While grammatically sound, Ludwig indicates that simpler alternatives might be preferable in less formal settings. When choosing this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the boundaries or constraints you wish to express. Ludwig's examples further illustrate its applicability in academic, scientific, and news domains, solidifying its place in formal and technical discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is limited to

Expresses a direct restriction to specific instances, often implying a boundary or maximum extent.

is confined to

Implies a stricter sense of enclosure or containment, suggesting something is kept within fixed bounds.

is restricted to

Formally indicates that something is subject to a rule or regulation that limits its scope.

is subject to

Highlights the dependency on external conditions or rules that influence or control something.

is bounded by

Focuses on the limits or constraints imposed by certain parameters or conditions.

is tethered to

Suggests a strong connection or dependency that restricts movement or scope.

is checked by

Indicates control or monitoring to prevent deviation from established norms or limits.

is governed by

Highlights how a system or entity operates under defined rules or principles.

is conditional on

Focuses on dependencies; something that happens only if another condition is met.

hinges on

Implies that something depends critically on a specific factor or condition, affecting its outcome.

FAQs

What does "is restrained to" mean?

The phrase "is restrained to" means that something is limited, restricted, or confined within certain boundaries or parameters.

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

You can use "is restrained to" to indicate that an action, effect, or scope is limited. For example, "The study's findings are restrained to a specific demographic."

What are some alternatives to "is restrained to"?

Alternatives to "is restrained to" include "is limited to", "is confined to", or "is restricted to", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "is restrained to"?

"Is restrained to" is appropriate in formal and scientific contexts where precise limitations or restrictions need to be clearly defined. It can also be used in legal or technical documents.