restrict

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "restrict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of limiting or controlling access, actions, etc. For example: "The government has implemented new restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The need to introduce residence permits to restrict access to public services and welfare benefits for new migrants stems from the simple fact that despite the Home Office's £800m "e-borders" project nobody's passport is stamped with the date they entered Britain.

The Guardian

Cameron will also set out plans to restrict foreigners from access to social housing if they have not been resident in the UK for five years, plans widely trailed over the weekend, as well as making it easier for the NHS to claim back the costs of treating people from overseas.

The Guardian

It is not right to prevent Palestinians from farming their lands; to restrict a student's ability to move around the West Bank; or to displace Palestinian families from their home.

The Economist

Were the system Fifa is proposing to restrict itself merely to offside decisions, or questions of whether a foul took place in or outside the area, it might be quite useful, although one suspects it would soon enough encompass other areas of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

However, the Family Procedure Rules restrict any discussion of the case to only those who are party to the case or to legal professionals (involved in the case), or those to whom the court gives permission.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Atena Farghadani, who has spoken out against parliamentary plans to restrict access to contraception, appeared in court on Tuesday in connection with her activism as well as her art.

The Guardian

Can so called "free market" activists pull the blinkers away for long enough to see that failing to act decisively on greenhouse gas emissions will eventually restrict people's freedoms, rather than enhance them?

The Guardian

Set up by some of the team from the iconic Buoyancy club nights, Alfresco Disco pride themselves on putting on nights that promote a free-spirited vibe, away from the shackles that can often restrict inner-city clubs.

The Guardian - Music

"We have given local areas the power to restrict the sale of alcohol in the early hours and to ensure those who profit from a late-night licence help pay towards the costs of policing.

The Guardian

I was reminded of how class structures continue to restrict human potential when I was applying to study for my master's degree.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue of flags concerns Belfast city council's decision to restrict the flying of the union flag on City Hall to 18 designated days instead of all year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "restrict", ensure you clearly state what is being limited and the reason for the limitation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "restrict" without specifying the scope or parameters of the limitation. Be precise about what is being limited and the context in which the restriction applies.

Linguistic Context

The word "restrict" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the act of limiting, controlling, or restraining something. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to express the imposition of boundaries or constraints on actions, access, or scope. Examples show its application in contexts such as restricting access, sales, or freedoms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "restrict" is a versatile verb used to convey the act of limiting or controlling something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "limit" and "confine" exist, "restrict" often carries a more formal connotation. To avoid ambiguity, it's essential to specify what is being limited and why. Overall, "restrict" is a fundamental word for expressing limitations in clear and precise terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limit

Direct synonym, indicating setting a boundary or maximum.

confine

Implies keeping something within specific boundaries or spaces.

curtail

Suggests reducing or cutting back on something.

restrain

Indicates holding back or controlling an impulse or action.

inhibit

Implies preventing or slowing down a process or action.

constrain

Suggests forcing or compelling someone to act in a certain way.

circumscribe

Indicates defining or marking boundaries, often in a restrictive way.

narrow

Suggests reducing the scope or range of something.

regulate

Implies controlling or directing something according to rules or laws.

control

Directly indicates having power over something to manage or direct it.

FAQs

How can I use the word "restrict" in a sentence?

You can use "restrict" to indicate limiting or controlling something. For example, "The new policy will "restrict access" to the building after hours".

What are some synonyms for "restrict"?

Synonyms for "restrict" include "limit", "confine", "curtail", and "restrain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "restrict" and "constrain"?

"Restrict" implies setting a boundary or limit, while "constrain" suggests forcing or compelling action. "The budget restrictions "restrict spending"", whereas "circumstances may "constrain our choices"".

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

Both "restrict" and "limit" can be used to indicate a boundary or control. "Limit" is generally broader, while "restrict" often implies a more formal or enforced limitation. For instance, "We need to "limit access" to the data", versus "The law will "restrict access" to classified documents".