very limited

USAGE SUMMARY

"very limited" is a correct sentence part in written English.
It is used to describe something that is restricted or confined in some way. For example, "I have a very limited amount of time to finish this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very limited seating.

The New York Times - Arts

It's very limited.

The Guardian

They're very, very limited".

The New York Times

"It's very, very limited".

The New York Times

"Very limited," Dr. Okuku said.

The New York Times - Health

"But funds are very limited".

The New York Times

A very, very limited time.

The Guardian

"That's a very limited thought.

The New York Times - Sports

They had very limited relations.

The Guardian

"These are very limited elections.

The Guardian

"There's a very limited window.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very limited", be specific about what is being limited and, if necessary, the reason for the limitation to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "very limited" when "limited" is sufficient. Overusing "very" can weaken your writing. Consider if the limitation truly requires such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very limited" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It intensifies the adjective 'limited', indicating a higher degree of restriction or constraint. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct sentence part.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very limited" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to emphasize a high degree of restriction or constraint. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct sentence part and according to the examples in Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, most notably news and media, wikis, and scientific publications. When using the phrase, writers should aim for specificity, clarifying what exactly is "very limited" to provide full context and avoid potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly restricted

Emphasizes the strictness of the limitation.

severely constrained

Highlights the difficulty or obstacles imposed by the limitation.

extremely curtailed

Focuses on the reduction or shortening effect of the limitation.

quite circumscribed

Indicates a clear boundary or confined area of limitation.

narrowly defined

Stresses the precision and specificity of the limitation.

appreciably reduced

Focuses on the noticeable decrease caused by the limitation.

significantly bounded

Highlights the presence of clear limits or boundaries.

substantially diminished

Emphasizes the reduction in quantity or quality due to the limitation.

markedly controlled

Indicates a high degree of regulation or restraint.

relatively finite

Highlights the limited and exhaustible nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "very limited" in a sentence?

You can use "very limited" to describe resources, options, or time. For example, "Due to budget cuts, our resources are "very limited"". Consider alternatives like "highly restricted" or "severely constrained" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to saying "very limited"?

Alternatives to "very limited" include "highly restricted", "severely constrained", or "extremely curtailed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very limited"?

While "limited" on its own implies a restriction, adding "very" emphasizes the extent of the limitation. Whether it's redundant depends on the context; sometimes the emphasis is necessary. Be mindful to avoid unnecessary repetition or consider alternatives with built-in emphasis.

What's the difference between "very limited" and "somewhat limited"?

"Very limited" indicates a significant restriction, whereas "somewhat limited" suggests a milder one. The choice depends on the degree of restriction you want to convey. For example, resources may be ""very limited"" during a crisis, but "somewhat limited" under normal circumstances.