very restrictive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very restrictive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that imposes significant limitations or constraints. Example: "The new regulations are very restrictive, making it difficult for small businesses to operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were very restrictive.

The New York Times

The error correction functionality is very restrictive, by design.

Cornell University

The tendencies in some countries are very restrictive.

The Guardian

However, these conditions turn out to be very restrictive.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

Others are very restrictive in terms of colorspace specification.

Signal Processing: Image Communication

"They tend to be very restrictive," he observed.

The New York Times

"Being blind is very restrictive as far as going anywhere.

The New York Times

The method is very restrictive but is adequate to solve the load balance problem.

Yale University

This model is very restrictive and cannot handle curves that do not match the equation.

Stanford University

Many online sellers do not give refunds or have very restrictive requirements.

Columbia University

But it's been done in a very restrictive way so far.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very restrictive", consider whether a more specific adjective would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of "very restrictive rules", try "stringent rules" or "limited rules".

Common error

Avoid using "very restrictive" as a generic intensifier. Ensure that the restriction itself is clearly defined and that the intensity is justified by the context. Otherwise, consider a stronger, more descriptive adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very restrictive" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of limitation or constraint. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is commonly used to emphasize the extent to which something is limited or controlled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very restrictive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a high degree of limitation or constraint. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While it is suitable for neutral registers, consider using more specific adjectives for greater precision in formal or technical writing. The phrase is common in news, academic, and scientific domains, emphasizing significant limitations across diverse subjects. Remember to clearly define what is being restricted and ensure that the intensity is justified by the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly constrained

Emphasizes the presence of significant limitations.

severely limited

Highlights the intensity of the restrictions.

tightly controlled

Focuses on the strictness of the management or regulation.

heavily regulated

Specifically refers to restrictions imposed by rules or laws.

closely monitored

Implies restrictions through careful observation and oversight.

strictly enforced

Highlights the rigorous application of existing rules.

narrowly defined

Emphasizes the limited scope or interpretation of something.

circumscribed

A more formal way of saying limited or restricted.

subject to limitations

Indicates that something is not absolute and has restrictions.

under strict conditions

Highlights that certain terms and requirements must be met.

FAQs

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

You can use "very restrictive" to describe laws, rules, policies, or conditions that impose significant limitations or constraints. For example, "The new regulations are "very restrictive", making it difficult for small businesses to operate".

What are some alternatives to saying "very restrictive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "highly constrained", "severely limited", or "tightly controlled".

Is it better to say "restrictive" or "very restrictive"?

While both are grammatically correct, ""very restrictive"" emphasizes the degree of limitation. If the restriction is significant, ""very restrictive"" is appropriate. Otherwise, "restrictive" may suffice.

What does it mean when something is described as "very restrictive"?

When something is described as ""very restrictive"", it means that it imposes significant limitations, constraints, or controls, often making it difficult to do something or operate freely.