less constrained by

USAGE SUMMARY

"less constrained by" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You may use this phrase to describe something that has less restrictions, limitations, or parameters. For example: He was less constrained by time pressure and was able to think more clearly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are less constrained by NSA's concerns about compliance".

The Guardian

"He's less constrained by convention -- maybe it's generational, maybe it's Barbara -- but it's true, anyway.

The New York Times

Outsiders could sometimes take bigger risks, because they were less constrained by the burdens of representation.

The New Yorker

Trump so far has been more or less constrained by the normal constraints.

The New Yorker

They are often also less constrained by the conventions of theatre.

The Guardian

"We are less constrained by NSA's concerns about compliance," it said.

The Guardian

There was no art market to speak of, so artists felt less constrained by commercial expectations.

The New York Times

Germans today are less constrained by their past, motivated increasingly by their own perceived self-interest.

The New York Times

Had they been, Bleasdale might have been less constrained by the label of "gritty Liverpool playwright".

Independent

International law is less constrained by the straightjacket of property rights, and has proved more supportive of subsistence hunting rights.

The Guardian

The latter group was less constrained by formal procedures and job definitions, and this atmosphere was conducive to problem solving.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less constrained by" to clearly indicate a reduction in limitations or restrictions, enhancing the clarity of your writing and making it easier for readers to grasp the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid excessive passive voice when using "less constrained by". Instead of "The project was less constrained by budget limitations", opt for the active voice: "The team felt less constrained by budget limitations", resulting in stronger, more direct writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less constrained by" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, to describe a noun or subject that experiences fewer limitations or restrictions. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is common and acceptable in written English. For instance, "They are often also less constrained by the conventions of theatre." Here, the phrase modifies 'they'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.02%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less constrained by" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe something experiencing fewer limitations or restrictions. As Ludwig AI points out, its meaning is clear and its usage is widespread. It commonly appears in news, science, and business contexts, indicating its adaptability across various communication styles. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "more liberated from" or "less restricted by" to add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of overusing passive voice for a more direct and impactful message. Overall, "less constrained by" is a valuable tool for expressing reduced limitations in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less restricted by

Direct synonym, replacing "constrained" with "restricted" without significant meaning change.

more liberated from

Focuses on the freedom aspect, emphasizing release from restrictions.

not bound by

Emphasizes a lack of obligation or requirement.

unencumbered by

Suggests a freedom from burdens or obstacles.

freer from the limitations of

Highlights the absence of limiting factors.

less dictated by

Emphasizes the absence of controlling influences.

less inhibited by

Focuses on the psychological aspect of being restrained.

not governed by

Indicates a lack of regulatory oversight.

more independent of

Highlights autonomy and self-reliance.

less influenced by

Focuses on reduced impact from external factors.

FAQs

How can I use "less constrained by" in a sentence?

You can use "less constrained by" to describe situations where limitations or restrictions have been reduced. For instance, "Small businesses are often "more agile" because they are "less constrained by" bureaucratic processes."

What are some alternatives to "less constrained by"?

Alternatives to "less constrained by" include "more liberated from", "less restricted by", or "unencumbered by", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less constrained by"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "less constrained by" is a common and grammatically sound phrase in written English. It is used to describe something that faces fewer limitations.

What does "less constrained by" typically imply?

"Less constrained by" implies increased freedom or flexibility due to fewer restrictions, limitations, or obligations. For example, someone "less constrained by" deadlines might have "more flexibility" in managing their time.