restricts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "restricts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing limitations or controls placed on something or someone. Example: "The new policy restricts access to certain areas of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

China restricts the number of foreign films it releases and often requires broad edits of American films before they meet censors' standards.

The Guardian - Film

It restricts any posthumous exploitation of the actor, be it through the use of CG to digitally resurrect him in Mrs Doubtfire 2 or as a live hologram performing comedy on stage – something that the advancement of technology has made an increasingly likely occurrence.

The Guardian

This year's payments also include the first tranches of new role-based pay, introduced to get around the EU bonus cap that restricts bonuses to 100% of salary, or 200% with shareholder approval.

The Guardian - Business

Related: The Flowers of War fails to bloom for Chinese film industry Courting Hollywood actors for Chinese productions is seen as an increasingly important means of cross-pollination between the US and Chinese film industries, as well as a way to dodge China's foreign-film quota, which restricts the number of American titles distributed.

The Guardian - Film

International law restricts the use of white phosphorus during war.

The Guardian

Labor has signalled it might support proposals to expand income management, which restricts how unemployed people spend their benefits.

The Guardian

He is genuinely offended that the BBC's existence, supported by the licence fee, restricts his capacity to screw even more money out of Britain's blue-collar TV audience and ship as much as possible of it abroad.

The Guardian

Some BBC luminaries argue that the institution is too big and unfairly restricts private business.

The Guardian - Opinion

What I don't understand is why Jeremy Hunt, the Culture Secretary, has not simply published the [Ofcom] report and announced that there will be a further Competition Commission enquiry into whether the takeover restricts plurality in the media (or choice for viewers and readers).

The Guardian

The campaign window was extremely tight, and election law restricts still further activities from pressure groups such as Unlock Democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most recent data compiled from 13 employers is for 2013 and does not include the period since those employees have come under the EU cap on bonuses, which restricts payouts to one times salary or twice if shareholders approve.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "restricts", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is imposing the restriction and the object specifies what is being limited. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "restricts" in passive constructions where the actor imposing the restriction is unclear. Instead of saying "Access is restricted", specify "The policy restricts access" to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

Restricts functions primarily as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "restrict". It indicates an action of imposing limitations or constraints on something. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the word in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "restricts" is a versatile verb indicating the imposition of limitations or constraints. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various formal and informal contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in news, business, and science domains. When using "restricts", clarity is key: explicitly state who or what is imposing the limitation. Alternatives like "limits", "constrains", and "curtails" offer nuanced substitutes for different shades of meaning. Avoid passive voice to maintain accountability in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limits

This term is a general synonym, indicating a boundary or upper level beyond which something cannot go.

constrains

Implies a tighter control or enforced limitation, often suggesting pressure or force.

curtails

Suggests a reduction or cutting short of something, often referring to rights or freedoms.

impedes

Focuses on obstruction or hindering progress, rather than setting a firm boundary.

inhibits

Suggests a psychological or internal barrier, preventing or slowing down an action or process.

governs

Indicates a rule-based control or regulation, often implying a formal authority.

regulates

Implies a structured management or control, often used in legal or administrative contexts.

checks

Highlights a mechanism that slows down or prevents something from exceeding a desired level.

caps

Indicates an upper limit, often used for numbers, spending, or emissions.

circumscribes

Defines or marks the boundaries of something, often implying a strict limitation.

FAQs

How can I use "restricts" in a sentence?

Use "restricts" to indicate that something imposes a limitation or control on something else. For instance, "The law "restricts the sale" of alcohol to minors".

What are some alternatives to "restricts"?

You can use alternatives like "limits", "constrains", or "curtails" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "restricts" or "limits"?

"Restricts" and "limits" are often interchangeable, but "restricts" can imply a stronger or more formal imposition of control. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "restricts" and "constrains"?

"Restricts" generally means to keep something within certain bounds, while "constrains" implies a more forceful limitation or pressure. "The budget restricts spending" vs. "The lack of resources constrains our progress".