it was constrained by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was constrained by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that is limited or restricted by certain factors or circumstances. Example: "The project's timeline was constrained by budget limitations and resource availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

As with virtually any study, the design of Prove It was constrained by the money available to perform it.

The New York Times

In the post-Soviet years, foreign direct investment was encouraged, but it was constrained by unfavourable conditions, including state intervention in industry, corruption, and weakness in the rule of law.

Britannica

Not only would replacing the cars right away have been prohibitively expensive, but the agency noted that it was constrained by a deal that it, along with many other transit agencies, had entered into to raise much-needed money.

The New York Times

In a tactical sense, of course, it was constrained by the partisan makeup of the Congress, and, I would also argue, by, in many cases, bad faith on the part of the Senate and House Republicans, who, it turned out, were not very interested in compromise or in working together.

The New Yorker

Though the species spread throughout Asia, Australia and Europe (the populating of the Americas is believed by most researchers to have happened after the ice began to retreat, although not everybody agrees), it was constrained by ecological circumstances in much the same way as any other animal.

The Economist

A panel of the 7th Circuit affirmed that decision, noting that it was constrained by earlier precedents.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The government of South Sudan has the political will to protect its citizens, but it is constrained by weak capacity in terms of rule of law, security infrastructure and assets.

The New York Times

Although Japan is showing signs of wanting to cast aside its typical risk averse approach to foreign affairs, it is constrained by Article 9 of its constitution, which prevents Japan from any projection of military power beyond self-defense.

HuffPost

Its economy is robust, but it is constrained by vested interests.

The Economist

Russia, which is not an OPEC member, is something of an exception, but it is constrained by how much oil it can export through its pipelines and railways, all of them running at or near their limits.

The New York Times

Why must it be constrained by the land?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was constrained by" when you want to emphasize that something's progress, scope, or nature was limited or restricted due to specific factors.

Common error

Avoid overusing "it was constrained by" as a generic explanation. Always specify the constraints clearly, and ensure that the constraints logically connect to the outcome you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was constrained by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject was limited or restricted by a specific factor. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to highlight the limiting factors affecting a particular situation or entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was constrained by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys limitation or restriction due to specific factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "it was limited by" and "it was restricted by" exist, the key is to ensure clarity and specificity when describing the constraints. Common errors include overusing the phrase without clearly identifying the limiting factors. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "it was constrained by" to provide context and justification in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was limited by

Replaces "constrained" with "limited", a direct synonym.

it was restricted by

Substitutes "constrained" with "restricted", indicating a formal limitation.

it was hampered by

Changes "constrained" to "hampered", suggesting hindrance or impediment.

it was bound by

Replaces "constrained" with "bound", implying a legal or moral obligation.

it was dictated by

Substitutes "constrained" with "dictated", indicating a stronger external control.

it was governed by

Changes "constrained" to "governed", implying regulation or control.

it was influenced by

Replaces "constrained" with "influenced", showing a milder form of restriction.

it was shaped by

Substitutes "constrained" with "shaped", indicating an impact on the overall form or outcome.

it was determined by

Changes "constrained" to "determined", suggesting a conclusive influence.

it was subject to

Replaces "constrained" with "subject to", indicating vulnerability or dependence.

FAQs

How can I use "it was constrained by" in a sentence?

Use "it was constrained by" to indicate that something was limited or restricted by specific factors. For example, "The project's timeline "it was constrained by" budget limitations and resource availability".

What are some alternatives to "it was constrained by"?

You can use alternatives like "it was limited by", "it was restricted by", or "it was hampered by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was constrained by" or "it is constrained by"?

Both are correct, but they indicate different timeframes. "It was constrained by" refers to a past constraint, while "it is constrained by" refers to a present or ongoing constraint.

What's the difference between "it was constrained by" and "it was influenced by"?

"It was constrained by" implies a direct limitation or restriction, whereas "it was influenced by" suggests a more subtle effect or shaping force. The former indicates a narrower scope than the latter.