sorely limited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorely limited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, resource, or capability that is significantly restricted or insufficient. Example: "The project's budget is sorely limited, which affects our ability to hire additional staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Rooney's options may be sorely limited if the Chelsea move does not materialise.

Independent

Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, has sorely limited the number of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Economist

One problem faced by so voracious a performer in so arcane a medium is a sorely limited repertory.

The New York Times - Arts

For years, the agency languished, its ambitions and effectiveness sorely limited by the principle of economics and government known as You Get What You Pay For.

The New York Times

But its chamber repertory is sorely limited, as Matt Levy found when, as a student at the University of Michigan 25 years ago, he started the Prism Quartet, a classical saxophone ensemble.

The New York Times - Arts

As Polly Toynbee writes in this new edition's introduction, the area where Reeves carried out her project remains one of Britain's poorest, with the opportunities for local children to rise to the ranks of the middle classes still sorely limited, despite our far vaster collective material wealth.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This sorely limits the likelihood of success beyond their base.

The New York Times

Problems of acquiring permission to base combat aircraft have sorely complicated the operation, limiting the intensity of bombing raids, officials said.

The New York Times

First, refinancing may provide a boost to consumer spending, which is sorely needed and which could limit the employment pain in the retail sector that's sure to accompany a bad holiday shopping season.And second, any new buyers this attracts into housing markets will help markets find a footing there.

The Economist

Director: King Kong, The Lord of the Rings trilogy Producer: District 9, The Adventures of Tintin His last film, The Lovely Bones, was a damp squib, a misfire that sorely tested the limits of CGI.

The Guardian - Film

The race sorely tested the city's campaign finance program, which seeks to limit the impact of money spent on politics by offering public matching funds to candidates who agree to restrict individual contributions and overall spending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "sorely limited" with an alternative like "severely restricted" or "greatly constrained" to avoid monotony in your writing, especially when describing similar constraints multiple times.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "sorely limited" is more formal. In casual conversation or informal writing, consider alternatives such as "really lacking" or "pretty short on" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sorely limited" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to indicate a severe restriction or deficiency. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe situations, resources, or abilities that are significantly curtailed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorely limited" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase that is used to describe something that is severely restricted or deficient. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, and it conveys a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly indicate what is being limited and the impact of that limitation. Alternatives such as "severely restricted" or "greatly constrained" may be used to avoid repetition. Although appropriate in many settings, it is better to choose less formal substitutes in informal conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severely restricted

Emphasizes the intensity of the restriction.

greatly constrained

Focuses on the limitations imposed, suggesting a lack of freedom or flexibility.

heavily circumscribed

Implies that the limits are clearly defined and difficult to overcome.

markedly reduced

Highlights the reduction in quantity or scope.

critically lacking

Stresses the importance of what is missing or restricted.

significantly curtailed

Indicates a reduction in something, usually over time.

badly hampered

Focuses on the impediment or obstruction caused by the limitation.

sharply diminished

Suggests a sudden and noticeable decrease.

woefully inadequate

Emphasizes the inadequacy or insufficiency of something.

distinctly deficient

Highlights the clear lack or shortage.

FAQs

What does "sorely limited" mean?

The phrase "sorely limited" means severely or extremely restricted; it indicates a significant lack or deficiency. It implies that something is not just limited, but that the limitation is causing problems or difficulties.

How can I use "sorely limited" in a sentence?

You can use "sorely limited" to describe resources, options, or abilities that are severely restricted. For example: "The project's budget is "sorely limited", which is affecting our ability to achieve our goals." or "His options were "sorely limited" due to the circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "sorely limited"?

Some alternatives to "sorely limited" include "severely restricted", "greatly constrained", "heavily circumscribed", or "critically lacking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sorely limited" formal or informal?

"Sorely limited" leans towards formal usage. While grammatically sound, in less formal contexts you might prefer phrases like "really lacking" or "very restricted" to better suit the tone. The register often depends on the intended audience and the overall style of communication.