real limitations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real limitations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to actual constraints or restrictions that exist in a particular context or situation. Example: "The project faced real limitations due to budget constraints and time restrictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

So the film should show the real limitations of this world, the real limitations of human beings.

The Guardian - Film

Such shortsightedness accounts for some of the very real limitations of her work.

The New Yorker

(He did not, however, acknowledge the very real limitations of soil composition).

The New York Times

But the table also highlights the real limitations of the European Union's ban.

The New York Times

Dr. Nissen's conclusions derived from a meta-analysis of 42 clinical trials, an approach that even he said had "real limitations".

The New York Times

As Gavyn Davies has pointed out, however, the real limitations of having no capacity to co-ordinate fiscal policy are now evident.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Here lies the real limitation of Kanfer's book.

The New York Times - Books

New York real estate is often the real limitation.

The New York Times

In fact pterosaurs were remarkably good fliers and many were also superb on the ground, and their real limitation is that their fossil record is generally so poor.

The Guardian

They could afford only a 10percentt down payment, so they focused on buildings permitting that — a real limitation, said their agent, Fred Slavin of Bellmarc Realty, whom they had met at an open house.

The New York Times

The issue is whether the Constitution's grant of authority to Congress to issue copyrights and patents "for limited times" to "promote the progress of science and useful arts" contains any real limitation on how that power is to be exercised.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "real limitations", ensure the context clearly defines what those limitations are, such as "The project faced "real limitations" due to budget constraints".

Common error

Avoid using "real limitations" when the constraints are minor or easily overcome. Overstating limitations can undermine confidence in your analysis or proposal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real limitations" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "real" modifies the noun "limitations". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes actual, existing constraints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "real limitations" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression referring to actual constraints or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "actual constraints" or "genuine restrictions" can be used, the key is to ensure the context clearly defines the limitations being discussed. A common pitfall is overstating the severity of these limitations when they are minor or easily addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actual constraints

Emphasizes the factual and existing nature of the limitations.

genuine restrictions

Highlights the authenticity and validity of the restrictions.

practical constraints

Focuses on limitations related to feasibility and practicality.

tangible limitations

Highlights the concrete and perceivable nature of the limitations.

veritable constraints

Stresses the truth and genuineness of the limitations.

definite restrictions

Focuses on limitations that are clearly defined and not vague.

concrete restrictions

Stresses that restrictions are well-defined and specific.

palpable limitations

Highlights limitations that are easily perceived or felt.

identifiable constraints

Focuses on limitations that are easily recognizable and distinct.

significant limitations

Highlights the importance or impact of the limitations.

FAQs

How can I use "real limitations" in a sentence?

You can use "real limitations" to describe actual restrictions or constraints. For example, "The study faced "real limitations" due to the small sample size".

What are some alternatives to "real limitations"?

Alternatives include "actual constraints", "genuine restrictions", or "practical constraints" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "real limitations" or "realistic limitations"?

"Real limitations" refers to limitations that genuinely exist, while "realistic limitations" refers to limitations that are based on a realistic assessment of a situation. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "real limitations" and "potential limitations"?

"Real limitations" are currently existing constraints, whereas "potential limitations" are possible future constraints. "Real limitations" are present, while "potential limitations" are prospective.