substantial limitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial limitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a significant restriction or hindrance to something, such as abilities, opportunities, or rights. Example: "The new policy imposes a substantial limitation on the freedom of expression within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finally, reliance on an affirmation that the fatigue substantially limits performance of daily activities is insufficient because "substantial" limitation is undefined, and independent confirmation of the reported level of disability is rarely sought.

BMC Health Services Research

Nevertheless, the course of the 2009 pandemic and the resulting workload made it impossible to include the intended first few hundred cases and contacts in a limited period of time, which is a substantial limitation of our study.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Mr. Duncan filed a Supreme Court appeal last week to argue that the appeals court took too narrow a view of what constitutes a substantial limitation.

The New York Times

A substantial limitation regarding present pediatric cardiac surgery is the lack of appropriate materials for the repair of congenital defects.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery

The results are promising and do not indicate any substantial limitation to the deployment of composite fuel.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Toyota is arguing that she is not disabled within the meaning of the law and that the appeals court misapplied the concept of a substantial limitation by considering only her problems in the workplace.

The New York Times

Next Wednesday, in Toyota Motor Manufacturing v. Williams, No. 00-1089, the court will hear arguments on the meaning of the law's core definition of disability, a substantial limitation on the ability to perform a "major life activity".

The New York Times

This approach also points out that organizations can have unintended consequences and that, therefore, theories of organizational design have a substantial limitation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We agree with the Court of Appeals that the 75-percent limitation is a direct and substantial limitation on protected activity that cannot be sustained unless it serves a sufficiently strong, subordinating interest that the Village is entitled to protect.

Cornell University

(c) The 75-percent limitation is a direct and substantial limitation on protected activity that cannot be sustained unless it serves a sufficiently strong, subordinating interest that petitioner is entitled to protect.

Cornell University

The justices heard arguments on Nov. 7 in Toyota Motor Manufacturing v. Williams, No. 00-1089, in which the question was whether a person who is limited in some but not all job-related tasks meets the law's opaque definition of disability -- a "substantial" limitation in the ability to engage in one or more "major life activities".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial limitation", ensure you clearly articulate what is being limited and the impact of that limitation for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial limitation" when a minor or negligible constraint is present. Reserve this phrase for situations where the limitation has a truly significant impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial limitation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a significant restriction or constraint on something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial limitation" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that denotes a significant restriction or constraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across diverse fields, especially science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you explicitly state what is being limited and the consequence of that limitation. Alternatives like "significant restriction" or "major constraint" may be suitable depending on context. However, avoid overstating the significance of minor constraints by using this phrase. Its frequency is very common, and its purpose is to emphasize a noteworthy constraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial restriction

This alternative emphasizes the restrictive aspect of the limitation, using restriction in place of limitation.

significant restriction

This alternative replaces "substantial limitation" with a more direct and commonly used expression, focusing on the idea of a restriction.

major constraint

This phrase uses "constraint" instead of "limitation", emphasizing the restrictive nature of the issue.

considerable impediment

Using "impediment" adds a sense of obstruction or hindrance, rather than just limitation.

serious drawback

This alternative highlights the negative aspect of the limitation, framing it as a disadvantage.

significant handicap

By using "handicap", the phrase implies a disadvantage that affects performance or progress.

notable deficiency

This suggests a lack or inadequacy that significantly impacts the subject in question.

marked inadequacy

Using "inadequacy" focuses on the insufficient nature of something, highlighting its failure to meet requirements.

significant encumbrance

This phrase uses "encumbrance" to convey a sense of burden or obstacle.

critical weakness

This alternative highlights the fragility or vulnerability introduced by the limitation.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial limitation" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial limitation" to describe a significant restriction or hindrance. For example, "The lack of funding represents a "substantial limitation" on the project's scope."

What are some alternatives to using "substantial limitation"?

Some alternatives include "significant restriction", "major constraint", or "considerable impediment", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "substantial limitation" and "functional limitation"?

"Substantial limitation" generally refers to any significant restriction, while "functional limitation" specifically relates to restrictions in performing certain functions or activities.

In legal contexts, what does "substantial limitation" mean?

In legal contexts, "substantial limitation" often refers to a significant restriction on a major life activity, as defined in disability laws. The exact interpretation can vary based on jurisdiction and specific statutes.