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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
severely limited
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"severely limited" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has been drastically reduced or restricted. For example, "Due to the global pandemic, public gatherings have been severely limited."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(20)
highly restricted
greatly reduced
severely restricted
heavily restricted
critically impaired
strictly controlled
markedly decreased
severely damaged
cut off at the ankles
heavily limited
distinctly limited
rendered powerless
severely constrained
sorely limited
severely hampered
cut off at the legs
cut off at the knees
extremely confined
extremely constricted
very restricted
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
Our study was severely limited by several factors.
Science
This study was severely limited by several factors.
Science
Industrial use was severely limited.
Encyclopedias
And when public money is severely limited.
News & Media
How is human regeneration severely limited?
News & Media
However, those statistics are severely limited.
News & Media
These people's freedom has been severely limited.
News & Media
Even cable and standard television coverage was severely limited.
News & Media
Suddenly, access to fresh food in Flint was severely limited.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
[Severely limited/ Limited, but not severely/ Not limited]".
There were fewer actors and severely-limited resources.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "severely limited", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited and the consequences of that limitation for maximum clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "severely limited" when a milder term like "somewhat limited" or "partially restricted" would be more accurate. Overstating the severity can weaken your argument.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "severely limited" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a significant restriction or reduction. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common and acceptable phrase in English.
Frequent in
News & Media
32%
Science
31%
Encyclopedias
2%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "severely limited" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is significantly restricted. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, clarity is key: make sure to specify what is being limited and the consequences. While alternatives like "highly restricted" or "greatly reduced" exist, "severely limited" provides a clear and direct way to convey a substantial constraint.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
highly restricted
Indicates a strong degree of constraint, emphasizing the imposition of rules or regulations.
greatly reduced
Focuses on the extent of the decrease, highlighting a substantial decline in quantity or scope.
significantly curtailed
Implies a formal or official reduction, suggesting a deliberate limiting action.
sharply diminished
Suggests a rapid and noticeable decrease, often implying a negative impact.
substantially constrained
Emphasizes the presence of strong limitations, highlighting the difficulty in operating freely.
drastically cut back
Implies a severe and abrupt reduction, often due to necessity or crisis.
heavily restricted
Similar to 'highly restricted', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the burden of the restrictions.
critically impaired
Focuses on the negative impact of the limitation, suggesting a significant functional deficit.
strictly controlled
Highlights the tight regulation and monitoring of something, limiting its accessibility or use.
markedly decreased
Emphasizes a noticeable decline, often used in statistical or quantitative contexts.
FAQs
What does "severely limited" mean?
The phrase "severely limited" indicates that something is greatly restricted or reduced in scope, extent, or amount. It implies a significant constraint that has a noticeable impact.
How can I use "severely limited" in a sentence?
You can use "severely limited" to describe a variety of restrictions. For example, "Access to clean water was "severely limited" due to the drought", or "Funding for the project is "severely limited" this year".
What are some alternatives to "severely limited"?
Some alternatives to "severely limited" include "highly restricted", "greatly reduced", or "significantly curtailed". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it better to say "severely limited" or "severely restricted"?
Both "severely limited" and "severely restricted" are valid and often interchangeable. "Severely restricted" might imply more of an external force imposing the limitation, while "severely limited" can be more general. For example, "Resources were "severely limited"", while "Access was "severely restricted"".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested