they were restricted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were restricted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups have limitations placed on their actions or freedoms. Example: "Due to the new regulations, they were restricted from accessing certain areas of the facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the next week, they were restricted to six hours.

The New York Times - Health

"Bulletin boards were very free, and after one or two years, they were restricted.

The New York Times

Once officers from other forces arrived, they were restricted by poor communication with central command.

The Guardian

Now, they were restricted to uttering a few simple words in response to the coroner.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, the Pistons wanted to keep Houston, but they were restricted financially.

The New York Times - Sports

However, they were restricted to the study of the ensemble properties of giant bilayers.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes

But in the past they were restricted to areas such as commercial banking.

The Economist

At first they were restricted to inner-city areas where existing schools had failed.

The Economist

Then we saw the emergence of personal Web sites, and after one or two years they were restricted.

The New York Times

But after that they were restricted under federal securities law from freely trading the stock without the Digest's permission.

The New York Times - Arts

But they were restricted to use very close to the surface, in applications such as rock quarrying.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were restricted", ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to and what limitations were imposed. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were restricted" without clearly establishing who "they" are. Always ensure the subject is explicitly mentioned or easily inferable from the surrounding context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were restricted" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ("they") experienced limitations or constraints imposed by an external force or set of rules. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were restricted" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that a group or individuals faced limitations imposed upon them. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its frequent use across diverse fields, including news, science, and general discourse. While perfectly valid, writers should ensure the context clearly identifies the referent of "they" and the nature of the restrictions to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they were limited" or "they were constrained" offer nuanced ways to express similar limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were limited

Indicates a boundary or upper limit was placed on their capabilities or actions.

they were constrained

Implies they faced significant limitations, possibly due to external forces.

they were prohibited

Suggests a formal ban or interdiction preventing certain actions.

they were not allowed

Indicates permission was withheld, preventing them from doing something.

they were prevented

Highlights that something actively stopped them from acting.

they were confined

Suggests being kept within specific boundaries or parameters.

they were subjected to limitations

Emphasizes the act of imposing restrictions.

their access was curtailed

Focuses on the reduction or limitation of their access to something.

they faced restrictions

Highlights the existence and experience of limitations.

limitations were imposed on them

Passive voice construction emphasizing the imposition of restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "they were restricted" in a sentence?

Use "they were restricted" to indicate that a group or individuals faced limitations or constraints. For example, "Due to budget cuts, "they were restricted" in their travel expenses".

What are some alternatives to "they were restricted"?

Alternatives include "they were limited", "they were constrained", or "they were prohibited", each suggesting a different nuance of limitation.

Is it better to use "they were restricted" or "they were limited"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "they were restricted" often implies a formal imposition of limitations, while "they were limited" suggests a broader range of constraints, including inherent ones.

What does "they were restricted" imply about the subject?

"They were restricted" implies that the subjects experienced a reduction in their ability to act freely or access resources, usually due to external rules, regulations, or circumstances.