severe restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where strict control or limitation is being discussed, often in relation to behavior, actions, or policies. Example: "The committee decided to impose severe restraint on spending to ensure the budget remained balanced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some 40 miles deep, it acts as a severe restraint on building.

The Economist

But the vast breadth of the administration's rebuilding plans has also astonished lawmakers, coming at a time when deficits are keeping domestic spending under severe restraint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Gradually, however, the pictures became lifeless, and in the 1930s and '40s, during the Stalin regime, great directors such as Eisenstein and Aleksandr Dovzhenko worked under severe restraints.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These have included stoning to death for adultery and the chopping off of hands for theft, along with severe restraints on women's rights and provisions subjugating them to the will of men.

The New York Times

The sanctions, which have created severe restraints on Iran's ability to conduct routine banking and shipping operations, have caused severe disruptions to Iran's economy as the nuclear program remains an increasingly acrimonious issue between Iran and the West.

The New York Times

The enforcement of the Production Code in 1934 would put severe restraints on Wellman's rambunctiousness, though he would continue to produce films of value until the end of his career (which came, appropriately, with the semi-autobiographical "Lafayette Escadrille" in 1958, with Tab Hunter as an American ace pilot flying for France in World War I).

The New York Times

The former would have balanced the budget in 10 years in part through severe restraints on Medicaid, Medicare and discretionary programs; the latter would have collected more taxes to get rid of the sequester and spend significantly more on infrastructure, research and education.

Los Angeles Times

However severe restraints are placed on the geometry of the structure (thus providing additional observational data) while improving agreement between observed and calculated data in real or reciprocal space.

eLife

Currently, Medical Savings Accounts are crippled by severe legislative restraints, but the restraints don't apply to HRAs.

Forbes

Its citizens have accepted severe wage restraint without the former benefit of a rising currency, leading to negligible gains in consumer welfare.

The Guardian

Brown admitted the changes are also driven by the severe spending restraint that will kick in next year as he endorsed Alistair Darling's warning that the cuts will be worse than those made by Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe restraint", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being restrained and the nature of the severity. Provide specific details to illustrate the impact or consequences of this restraint.

Common error

Avoid using "severe restraint" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is more appropriate for formal or professional settings where a high degree of control or limitation is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe restraint" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies "restraint". It describes a condition of being kept under control or within limits, but with considerable force or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe restraint" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that denotes a strong limitation or control. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct to use in written English. While relatively infrequent, it is most commonly found in formal contexts such as news reports and scientific articles. Alternatives like "strict limitation" or "harsh control" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing "severe restraint", clarity in defining what is being restrained and the extent of the severity is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict limitation

Emphasizes a firm boundary or restriction that is difficult to overcome. It's more direct and less suggestive of force.

harsh control

Highlights the demanding and potentially oppressive nature of the controlling force. It conveys a more negative connotation.

rigid constraint

Implies an unyielding and inflexible limitation, focusing on the lack of adaptability. It's more formal than "severe restraint".

stringent restriction

Stresses the strictness and precision of the imposed restriction. It's often used in legal or regulatory contexts.

extreme limitation

Focuses on the extent of the limitation, suggesting it is unusually large or impactful. It highlights the magnitude of the restriction.

drastic curtailment

Emphasizes a sudden and significant reduction or limitation. It suggests a forceful and decisive action.

heavy constraint

Implies a significant burden or pressure imposed by the constraint. It emphasizes the impact on the affected entity.

firm curtailment

Suggests that the curtailment is applied with determination and is unlikely to be relaxed. A synonym is "decisive action".

rigorous check

Highlights the thorough and uncompromising nature of the monitoring or control. More related to verification and oversight.

major restriction

Focuses on the significance and impact of the restriction imposed. It is less intense than "severe restraint".

FAQs

How can I use "severe restraint" in a sentence?

You can use "severe restraint" to describe strict limitations or controls. For example, "The company imposed "severe restraint" on spending due to budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "severe restraint"?

Some alternatives include "strict limitation", "harsh control", or "rigid constraint", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "severe restraint"?

"Severe restraint" is appropriate in formal contexts where you want to emphasize the intensity and impact of a limitation or control, such as in legal, financial, or political discussions.

What is the difference between "severe restraint" and "mild restraint"?

"Severe restraint" implies a strong, impactful limitation, while "mild restraint" suggests a more gentle or less intrusive control. The choice depends on the degree of limitation you wish to convey.