limit the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limit the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing restrictions or constraints on someone's or something's capacity to perform a task or function. Example: "The new regulations will limit the ability of companies to operate freely in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This would limit the ability of any donor to exercise undue influence.

The Guardian

Restrictions on fiscal policy limit the ability of governments to stimulate growth by borrowing and spending.

The New York Times

"These facts limit the ability to achieve a very low redefault rate by program design alone".

The New York Times

In each case, the effect is to limit the ability to bid for positional goods.

The New York Times

But there are obstacles that limit the ability of leaders to shift direction.

The New York Times

One would limit the ability of corporate executives to defer part of their income and their taxes, raising $24 billion.

The New York Times

Some executives also expressed concern that the proposal could limit the ability of banks to expand lending.

The New York Times

Heightened security at borders and airports appeared likely to limit the ability of many companies to deliver goods on time.

The New York Times

If passed, the bill would limit the ability of brand-name companies to extend patents through infringement lawsuits.

The New York Times

He feared that this would limit the ability of other potential bidders to gain access to capital.

The New Yorker

He voted to limit the ability of death-row inmates to challenge their sentence in federal court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "limit the ability", clearly specify what or who is being limited and the reason for the limitation to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "limit the ability" in overly broad or vague statements. Provide specific examples or context to clarify the impact of the limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limit the ability" functions as a verb phrase that expresses the action of restricting or reducing someone or something's capacity to perform a specific task or function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

58%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "limit the ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse fields such as News & Media and Science. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Its purpose is to express restrictions or constraints on the capacity of someone or something to perform an action or function. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify what is being limited and why. Alternatives like "restrict the capability", "constrain the capacity", or "curtail the potential" can be used for variety, while maintaining a precise and understandable meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrict the capability

Replaces "ability" with "capability", offering a slightly more formal tone. The meaning remains essentially the same.

constrain the capacity

"Constrain" suggests a tighter restriction than "limit", and "capacity" is a synonym for "ability".

put a constraint on the ability

Emphasizes the imposition of a restriction, highlighting the act of limiting.

curtail the potential

"Curtail" implies a reduction or cutting short, while "potential" emphasizes the undeveloped aspect of the ability.

impair the aptitude

"Impair" suggests weakening or damaging, and "aptitude" refers to a natural talent or skill.

reduce the power

Focuses on the strength or force of the ability, suggesting a decrease in effectiveness.

inhibit the competence

"Inhibit" suggests preventing or hindering, and "competence" refers to the quality of being adequately qualified.

hinder the skill

"Hinder" implies creating obstacles or difficulties, and "skill" is a learned ability.

restrict the scope

Changes the focus to the range or extent of what can be done, rather than the ability itself.

set a ceiling on the ability

Metaphorically implies an upper bound or maximum level that cannot be exceeded.

FAQs

How can I use "limit the ability" in a sentence?

You can use "limit the ability" to describe situations where something restricts someone's capacity to do something. For example, "Budget cuts will limit the ability of the school to provide extracurricular activities".

What are some alternatives to "limit the ability"?

Alternatives include "restrict the capability", "constrain the capacity", or "curtail the potential", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "limit the ability" or "restrict the ability"?

Both "limit the ability" and "restrict the ability" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Restrict" often implies a stricter or more formal constraint than "limit".

What's the difference between "limit the ability" and "constrain the ability"?

"Limit the ability" generally means to set a boundary or reduce the capacity, while "constrain the ability" suggests a more forceful or restrictive action that actively prevents or hinders the ability. "Constrain the ability" may also imply an action against someone's will.