they are restrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are restrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or entities that are limited or controlled in some way, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "In the debate, it was clear that they are restrained by their own biases, preventing them from seeing the full picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A democracy like ours may at times have abusive officials, but they are restrained by a constitutional system, if we choose to maintain it.

The New York Times - Books

"While the monks need to keep themselves abreast of new knowledge, current events and technology, they are restrained to choose the appropriate tools".

Independent

That number includes eight who are being force-fed a nutritional supplement through a hose snaked into their nose while they are restrained in a chair.

The New York Times

Thousands of patients in NHS mental health units are injured every year when they are restrained by staff, according to new figures which campaigners have branded "horrifying".

The Guardian

Too often they are restrained by the rules and procedures of a bureaucracy the government complains about even as it creates ever more of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Again a very long way from the media headlines of "horrific distress" and animals that "can be heard screaming in terror as they are restrained by researchers".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He admits that barely a dozen such orders have been taken out so far, but insists they are "restraining behaviour which was otherwise not restrained" in tough neighbourhoods where his critics do not live.

The Guardian

Governors have long manipulated what programs are paid for from the general fund and from other revenues to make it appear that they are restraining spending.

The New York Times

"They are restraining people and forcing them to get tubes put in their noses," said Rodriguez, adding that he had passed his "credible fear" interview and sought to be released on parole.

Huffington Post

They were restrained by police and some were arrested.

Columbia University

Nor is it fair that they be restrained from industrial development when Western countries have profited immensely from that sector.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are restrained", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the restraining. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they are restrained" when the intended meaning is simply 'they are careful'. Restraint implies an external or internal force limiting action, not just cautious behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are restrained" typically functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a group or entity is subject to limitations or controls. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and widespread applicability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Unknown

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are restrained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe limitations or controls placed on individuals or entities. As Ludwig AI validates, its applications are varied, spanning news reporting, scientific discourse, and academic writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is best used when the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the restraint. Remember to differentiate between being 'restrained' and simply being 'careful' to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are controlled

Replaces 'restrained' with 'controlled', emphasizing a more direct form of authority or management.

they are constrained

Substitutes 'restrained' with 'constrained', suggesting a more forceful limitation or restriction.

they are limited

Uses 'limited' instead of 'restrained', highlighting restrictions in scope or quantity.

they are held back

Employs 'held back' to convey a sense of impediment or prevention from progressing.

they are checked

Replaces 'restrained' with 'checked', indicating a monitoring or halting action.

they are inhibited

Replaces 'restrained' with 'inhibited', suggesting a psychological or internal barrier.

they are curbed

Uses 'curbed' to suggest a reduction in excess or undesirable behavior.

they are suppressed

Employs 'suppressed' to convey a sense of actively preventing expression or action.

their freedom is curtailed

This alternative phrase refers more explicitly to limits placed on freedom.

they are under control

Similar meaning, but implies that control is asserted by an outside force.

FAQs

How can I use "they are restrained" in a sentence?

You can use "they are restrained" to describe individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts that are being limited or controlled in some way. For example, "The protesters were peaceful because "they are restrained" by their commitment to non-violence."

What are some alternatives to "they are restrained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they are limited", "they are controlled", or "they are held back".

Is it correct to say "they are restrain" instead of "they are restrained"?

No, "they are restrain" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they are restrained", where 'restrained' is the past participle of the verb 'restrain' used as an adjective.

What's the difference between "they are restrained" and "they are restrictive"?

"They are restrained" means that something or someone is being limited or controlled, while "they are restrictive" means that they impose limits or controls on others. The first focuses on the recipient of the action, while the second focuses on the source of the action.