tightening on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tightening on" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in contexts where something is becoming more restrictive or intense, but it is not commonly used. Example: "The tightening on regulations has affected many businesses in the industry."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Not all belts are tightening on Wall Street.

The New York Times

THE screws are tightening on Bangladesh's main Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami.

The Economist

Prudent behaviour by the banks may amount to a monetary tightening on its own.

The Economist

For Mr. Hussein's government, the vise is tightening, on the ground and from the air.

The New York Times

Amaury said the result was proof that "the noose is tightening on the cheaters".

The New York Times - Sports

While the European Central Bank emphasized inflation, it is not discounting the potential effects of the credit tightening on Europe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Make sure it is flat on your fingers; twisting the access can help to tighten on fingers.

WikiHow

His voice tightened on the phrase gang members use to identify one another.

Los Angeles Times

International sanctions continue to tighten on Iran.

The Guardian

Spreads required by investors have tightened on these too.

The Economist

"I wouldn't tighten on the basis of growth rates.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tightening on", consider if a more precise verb or noun phrase would enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of "tightening on regulations", you might say "stricter enforcement of regulations".

Common error

Avoid using "tightening on" excessively in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for stronger, more direct alternatives like "increasing", "enhancing", or "strengthening" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tightening on" functions as a prepositional phrase, often indicating an increasing restriction, control, or pressure exerted upon something. Ludwig's examples show it frequently modifying nouns related to policies, regulations, or economic conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tightening on" is a prepositional phrase used to describe increasing restrictions or pressure. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests that more precise and formal alternatives may enhance clarity and sophistication, especially in academic or professional settings. News and business media commonly employ this phrase, indicating a neutral register. When writing, consider if stronger verbs or noun phrases could improve your writing in accordance with Ludwig AI analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing pressure on

Emphasizes the application of force or influence on something.

stricter controls on

Focuses on the implementation of more stringent regulations or oversight.

heightened restrictions on

Highlights the escalation of limitations or constraints.

growing constraints on

Implies a gradual increase in limitations or restrictions.

intensified enforcement of

Focuses on the strengthening of rules and their application.

escalating limitations on

Mirrors "heightened restrictions on" but perhaps with a more dramatic connotation.

mounting pressure on

Similar to "increasing pressure on" with a sense of accumulating force.

greater scrutiny of

Shifts the focus to more careful examination and observation.

tougher regulations for

Implies the application of more rigorous rules.

more stringent rules regarding

Similar to "stricter controls on" but with a broader scope.

FAQs

How can I use "tightening on" in a sentence?

You can use "tightening on" to describe something becoming more restrictive or intense. For instance, "The government is tightening on immigration policies."

What are some alternatives to "tightening on"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing pressure on", "stricter controls on", or "heightened restrictions on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tightening on" or "tightening of"?

While "tightening on" is used, "tightening of" is often more grammatically sound, especially in formal writing. For example, "tightening of security measures" is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "tightening on" and "pressure on"?

"Tightening on" implies a deliberate act of making something more restrictive, while "pressure on" simply suggests influence or force being applied. They are not always interchangeable.