more restrictive than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more restrictive than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a comparison between two things that have different levels of restriction or limitation. For example, "The new law is more restrictive than the previous law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

More restrictive than Nancy Reagan, another subject of yours?

The New York Times - Magazine

China's regulations are more restrictive than those elsewhere.

The Economist

Surprisingly, our immigration policy is also more restrictive than in most other nations.

The New York Times

Six counties and nine cities followed with bans of their own, some more restrictive than others.

The New York Times

The Connecticut rules are complex and, in some cases, more restrictive than in other states.

The New York Times

One learns, however, that British matrimonial law is considerably more restrictive than our own.

The New Yorker

"I'm not," he wrote, adding that he would accept no political label more restrictive than "independent".

The New Yorker

This is more restrictive than any train operator in the UK.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Entering Tibet from Nepal is more expensive and more restrictive than entering from China.

The Guardian - Travel

But it would be a pity if things become more restrictive than they are now".

The Guardian - Tech

This compromise is still far more restrictive than the rules for other tax-subsidy programs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing policies or rules, clearly specify what aspects are "more restrictive than" what. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "more restrictive" without specifying what it is "more restrictive than". Always provide a clear point of comparison to ensure the statement is meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more restrictive than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to modify a noun or pronoun by indicating a higher degree of restriction relative to another noun or pronoun. Ludwig examples confirm its widespread use in comparative statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more restrictive than" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys a higher degree of limitation or constraint between two subjects. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, making it a versatile tool for expressing comparative strictness. When using this phrase, remember to clearly define the context of comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "more limiting than" or "stricter than" can be used for variety, but "more restrictive than" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more limiting than

Focuses on the act of limiting rather than restricting.

stricter than

A direct synonym implying a higher degree of strictness.

more stringent than

Implies stricter adherence to rules or standards.

more confining than

Suggests a greater sense of being enclosed or limited in scope.

more controlled than

Highlights the aspect of being under stricter control or regulation.

tighter than

A more informal way of saying something is more restrictive.

more regulated than

Specifically refers to regulations and rules being more stringent.

more rigid than

Implies less flexibility and more strict adherence to a set standard.

more binding than

Focuses on the enforceability and obligation created by a rule or agreement.

more prohibitive than

Emphasizes the act of prohibiting or preventing something to a greater extent.

FAQs

How can I use "more restrictive than" in a sentence?

Use "more restrictive than" to compare the degree of limitation or constraint between two subjects. For example, "The new regulations are "more restrictive than" the old ones".

What is a good alternative to "more restrictive than"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "more limiting than", "more stringent than", or "stricter than" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "restrictiver than"?

No, "restrictiver than" is not grammatically correct. The correct comparative form is ""more restrictive than"", as "restrictive" is a multi-syllable adjective.

What's the difference between "more restrictive than" and "less lenient than"?

"More restrictive than" focuses on the degree of limitation, while "less lenient than" focuses on the degree of permissiveness. They both imply a comparison of standards, but from opposite perspectives.