tight constraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tight constraint" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a limitation or restriction that is strict or difficult to work within. For example, "The project must be completed within a tight constraint of time and budget." Alternative expressions include "strict limitation" and "narrow restriction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The tight constraint, of course, is money.

The New York Times - Science

Due to the tight constraint on office space, no office space is provided to scholars.

Columbia University

Combined with contemporary observations of atmospheric CO2 concentration and tropical temperature, this relationship provides a tight constraint on the sensitivity of tropical land carbon to climate change.

Nature

Where overland infrastructure is lacking, the cost of just getting to the sea can be prohibitively high for many trade goods, placing a tight constraint on economic activity.

The Economist

A key requirement for enabling a real-time group communication service is the tight constraint imposed on the call delivery delay.

Computer Networks

(But the depiction of Lawrence, who has become a rustic sad sack keeping his bitterness under tight constraint, withdrawn from his friends and from society at large, veers furthest from parody into caricature).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Edelman achieves this feat by accepting tight constraints.

The Guardian - Books

But sometimes there are choices even within tight constraints.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Senate majority leader, Tom Daschle, Democrat of South Dakota, said: "We're working under very tight constraints.

The New York Times

Great directors were working there, for the most part under tight constraints.

The New Yorker

Given the tight constraints of the lower price categories, Mr. Hayden puts on quite a show.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management, clearly define the nature of the "tight constraint", such as budget, time, or resources, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tight constraint" as a general descriptor for any difficulty. It's most effective when describing specific, measurable limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tight constraint" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to identify or describe a limiting factor in a situation, as shown in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

44%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tight constraint" is a commonly used phrase that accurately describes a significant limitation. As Ludwig AI illustrates, this phrase appears in a variety of formal and informal contexts, including scientific papers, news articles, and business communications. While it's considered grammatically correct and widely accepted, alternatives like "strict limitation" or "stringent restriction" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. To ensure proper usage, clearly define the nature of the constraint when you use the phrase and avoid applying it too broadly to any general difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict limitation

Emphasizes adherence to a rigid rule or standard, focusing on the act of limiting.

stringent restriction

Highlights the severity and demanding nature of the limitation.

rigid boundary

Conveys a sense of inflexibility and a clearly defined limit.

firm restriction

Underscores the resoluteness and unyielding nature of the limitation.

severe limitation

Focuses on the extremity and the potentially harsh consequences of the limitation.

narrow margin

Indicates a limited amount of flexibility or leeway within certain parameters.

limited scope

Suggests the restriction applies to the breadth or extent of something.

finite resource

Highlights the constraint of having a limited quantity of something.

inflexible requirement

Focuses on the obligatory nature of the constraint, with no room for deviation.

uncompromising demand

Emphasizes the firmness and the lack of willingness to negotiate regarding the constraint.

FAQs

How can I use "tight constraint" in a sentence?

You can use "tight constraint" to describe limitations on resources, time, or budget. For example, "Due to a "tight constraint" on funding, the project's scope was reduced."

What are some alternatives to "tight constraint"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "strict limitation", "stringent restriction", or "rigid boundary".

Is it better to say "tight constraint" or "severe constraint"?

Both "tight constraint" and "severe constraint" are grammatically correct, but "tight constraint" usually implies a manageable limitation that requires careful planning, while "severe constraint" suggests a more difficult or impactful limitation.

Can "tight constraint" apply to abstract concepts, or only to physical resources?

"Tight constraint" can apply to both abstract concepts (like time or freedom) and physical resources (like budget or materials). The key is that it represents a limitation that affects decision-making.