restrictive list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "restrictive list" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a list that limits or confines options or choices within a specific scope. Example: "The guidelines provided a restrictive list of acceptable materials for the project, leaving little room for creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Mr Zardari recently backed the lifting of trade restrictions on India, and Pakistan is also talking of dropping a restrictive list of what products it will buy from India.

BBC

We study the fixed parameter tractability of the counting version of a parameterization of the restrictive list H-coloring problem.

Journal of Computer and System Sciences

Manufacturers say it is the most detailed and restrictive list of specs out there, dictating everything from the placement of the tailpipe to the vehicle's warranty.

The New York Times

Illicit use of Xyrem, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, also known as GHB, would be subject to stiff penalties under Schedule I, the most restrictive list of controlled substances, it said.

The New York Times

And then, "the policy of a Romney administration will be to oppose abortions with the exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother" — carefully construed, as even this very restrictive list is more than Ryan, left to his own devices, would allow.

The New Yorker

Pakistan is also talking of dropping a restrictive list of what products it will buy from India.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In fact, said Robert D. Reischauer, president of the Urban Institute, a research organization in Washington, such restrictive lists, called formularies, are far more likely to emerge under the Republican approach.

The New York Times

These include new photo-ID requirements with restrictive lists of acceptable identification (including no student IDs); shorter voting hours; the end of same-day voter registration; and prohibitions on out-of-precinct voting.

The Washington Post

The most recent MVI-call (NWO [2012]) not only contained a rather restrictive listing of issues that were eligible for funding, but also (for every issue) a pre-fixed list of issues that research proposals were expected to address.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Crystal identifies a non-restrictive list of 11 distinct non-specialist functions for the exclamation mark.

The Guardian - Books

Rather than specifying which sectors foreign investors can enter, China would create a less restrictive "negative list" of sectors from which they are barred.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "restrictive list", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited and why. This helps avoid ambiguity and clarifies the impact of the restriction.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the limitations imposed by the "restrictive list". Clearly define what is included and excluded, rather than using vague language that could mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "restrictive list" functions as a noun phrase, where 'restrictive' modifies 'list'. It describes a specific type of list characterized by its limitations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "restrictive list" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a list that imposes limitations on what is included. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring that the specific restrictions are well-defined to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives such as "limited list" or "exclusive list" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Overall, "restrictive list" serves as an effective way to communicate the presence of constraints in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited list

Emphasizes a small number of items or options available.

exclusive list

Highlights the select and often privileged nature of the items included.

narrow list

Focuses on the limited scope and range of the items.

confined list

Suggests the list is deliberately kept within specific boundaries.

selective list

Indicates that items were chosen carefully and deliberately.

controlled list

Implies oversight or regulation of what's included.

prescribed list

Highlights that the list is mandated or officially designated.

fixed list

Emphasizes the rigidity and unchangeable nature of the list.

defined list

Highlights the clarity and well-defined parameters of the list.

specified list

Indicates that the items are precisely identified and named.

FAQs

How can I use "restrictive list" in a sentence?

You can use "restrictive list" to describe a set of items or options that are intentionally limited. For instance, "The guidelines provided a "restrictive list" of acceptable materials for the project.".

What is a good alternative to "restrictive list"?

Depending on the context, you could use "limited list", "exclusive list", or "narrow list" as alternatives to "restrictive list".

What does it mean when a list is described as "restrictive"?

A "restrictive list" indicates that the items or options included are deliberately limited, often due to specific criteria, regulations, or preferences. This implies a controlled or selective inclusion of elements.

Is there a difference between a "restrictive list" and a "comprehensive list"?

Yes, a "restrictive list" implies limitations and selectivity, while a "comprehensive list" aims to be all-inclusive and exhaustive. They represent opposite approaches to compiling a list.