put a constraint on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put a constraint on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone or something has imposed restrictions on certain activities. For example, "The budget cuts put a constraint on how much money the school could spend to improve its facilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The aim was to put a constraint on the ability of governments to debase their currencies by printing money.

The Economist

The limitation on the length of nanowires put a constraint on the connectivity domain of a circuit.

Journal of Applied Research and Technology

"This is going to put a constraint on freedom of speech in Hong Kong," said Ma Ngok, a politics professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The Guardian

It may be time for America's government to acknowledge that rising energy prices will inevitably put a constraint on America's recovery, and that that constraint can either be harnessed in the service of broader economic adjustments or allowed to worsen the economy's imbalances.

The Economist

We put a constraint on the total number of glands in the tumor, which we estimate based on the physical size of a tumor.

Plosone

Moreover it is possible to put a constraint on the maximum number of offspring per male and female.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The equation puts a constraint on them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The distortionary effect of regulation on unemployment effectively puts a constraint on the design of fiscal and public policies.

European Journal of Political Economy

It's an expression with several instances of various names which puts a constraint on the name, saying what that name could have as its value, rather than some sort of mechanical process of substitution right now.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Based on the general model, the maximum productivity index (PI) is obtained by optimizing properties of fractures under the limitation of given proppant volume, which puts a constraint on number of fractures, fracture conductivity and fracture length.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

Thailand has set up two such institutions since the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and 1998, but bad loans remain a persistent problem at its private banks, which list 21percentt of their loans as nonperforming, putting a constraint on new loan growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like "restrict" or "limit" if you want a more concise and impactful sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "put a constraint on" without specifying the exact nature of the constraint. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates what limitations are being imposed, on what, and why. Vague constraints can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a constraint on" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the concept of imposing a restriction or limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in establishing a specific condition or restriction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a constraint on" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express the act of imposing a limitation or restriction. It finds its home in diverse contexts, spanning scientific research, news reporting, and academic discourse, as validated by Ludwig's examples. While the phrase is valid, remember to clearly define the scope and reason for the restriction, and consider stronger, single-word verbs such as "restrict" for a more succinct expression. Overall, it's a reliable tool for conveying limitations in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impose a restriction on

Formal alternative emphasizing a rule or law.

place limitations on

Slightly more general, focusing on the act of limiting.

set boundaries for

Emphasizes defining limits or scope.

curtail

A more concise verb implying a reduction or limitation.

limit the scope of

Focuses on restricting the extent or range.

restrict access to

Specifically limits availability or entry.

hinder

Suggests obstruction or impediment, a less direct constraint.

inhibit

Implies preventing or slowing down.

place a check on

Suggests a controlling influence or restraint.

put a damper on

Implies a reduction in enthusiasm or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "put a constraint on" in a sentence?

Use "put a constraint on" to indicate the imposition of a restriction or limitation. For example, "Budget cuts "put a constraint on" research funding".

What are some alternatives to "put a constraint on"?

Alternatives include "impose a restriction on", "place limitations on", or "restrict" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "put a constraint on" or "place a constraint on"?

Both "put a constraint on" and "place a constraint on" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference and the surrounding words. In most cases, there is no significant difference.

What is the difference between "put a constraint on" and "add a constraint to"?

"Put a constraint on" implies imposing a limitation where one might not have existed before. "Add a constraint to" suggests including an additional restriction to existing ones.