limited by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limited by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is restricted, confined, curtailed, or restrained by some factor. For example, "My vacation was limited by my budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's only limited by your imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

However, DSL is limited by distance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The options are limited by several realities.

The New York Times

Access can be limited by licensing.

The Economist

That credit was limited by their income.

The New York Times

"They are limited by their broadness.

The New York Times - Tech

But visionaries are limited by their visions.

The New Yorker

The show is also limited by circumstance.

The New York Times

"It's limited by the speaker".

The New York Times - Tech

"Sympathy" is limited by design.

The Guardian - Books

"You are limited by this".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "limited by", clearly state what is causing the limitation to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of saying "The project is limited", specify "The project is limited by the available budget."

Common error

Avoid using "limited by" without specifying what the limitation is. A statement like "Progress is limited" is less informative than "Progress is limited by the lack of resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limited by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a restriction or constraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Many examples illustrate its usage, like "Access can be limited by licensing."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "limited by" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to express a restriction or constraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widely accepted across diverse contexts. It is particularly frequent in news and media, scientific articles, and wiki content. When using "limited by", ensure that you clearly identify the factor causing the limitation to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "constrained by", "restricted by", and "circumscribed by", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing the same basic concept. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of "limited by", enabling confident and effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constrained by

This alternative emphasizes the restriction imposed by an external force or factor, similar to "limited by" but with a slightly stronger sense of being held back.

restricted by

Focuses on the imposition of boundaries or regulations, indicating a narrower scope or range of possibilities, similar to "limited by".

circumscribed by

This alternative suggests a well-defined boundary or limit, offering a more formal and precise way to express the idea of being "limited by".

defined by

Emphasizes how the limits act as defining characteristics.

governed by

This alternative focuses on rules and laws that limit.

hindered by

Highlights the obstruction or impediment caused by the limiting factor, suggesting a negative impact on progress or achievement, similar to "limited by".

bound by

Implies a legal or moral obligation that restricts freedom of action or choice, similar to "limited by" but with a focus on commitment or duty.

controlled by

Focuses on the power dynamic where one element dictates limits.

subject to

Highlights that the limits are dependent to some degree on certain conditions.

impacted by

Describes how something's influence creates a limitation of action or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "limited by" in a sentence?

Use "limited by" to indicate that something is restricted or constrained by a particular factor. For example, "The car's speed is "limited by" its engine size" or "The project's scope is "limited by" the available funding".

What are some alternatives to "limited by"?

Some alternatives to "limited by" include "constrained by", "restricted by", "circumscribed by", or "defined by". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "The possibilities are limited by budget constraints"?

Yes, that sentence is grammatically correct. "Limited by" is correctly used to show that the budget constraints are imposing a restriction on the possibilities.

What's the difference between "limited by" and "impacted by"?

"Limited by" implies a direct restriction or constraint, while "impacted by" suggests a more general influence or effect. For example, "The event was "limited by" the venue's capacity" means the number of attendees was capped. "The event was "impacted by" the weather" suggests the weather affected the event, but not necessarily in a restrictive way.