was limited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was limited' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where the scope of something was restrained or restricted in some way. For example: The information he had to work with was limited, so his research was not as comprehensive as he would have liked.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The applause was limited.

Independent

Her time was limited.

The New Yorker

Television was limited.

The New Yorker

His time was limited.

The New York Times - Sports

Mud circulation was limited.

The New York Times

Caesar's political achievement was limited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Granted, the outrage was limited.

The New York Times

But their generosity was limited.

The Economist

Its roadracing ability was limited.

The New York Times

His range was limited, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

AMD's production capacity was limited.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was limited", ensure the context clearly specifies what imposed the limitation. For instance, "Funding was limited due to budget cuts" provides more clarity than simply "Funding was limited".

Common error

Be specific about what "was limited". Saying "Resources were limited" is less effective than "Access to specialized equipment was limited", which provides a clearer understanding of the constraint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was limited" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a noun or concept underwent a restriction or constraint. It describes a state where something's scope, quantity, or ability is not as extensive as it could be. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and broad application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was limited" serves as a versatile tool for indicating constraints and restrictions. As evidenced by Ludwig's comprehensive analysis and numerous real-world examples, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Whether you're crafting a news report, a scientific paper, or an encyclopedia entry, "was limited" provides a clear and concise way to convey limitations across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had restrictions

Uses 'restrictions' instead of 'limited', indicating specific rules or constraints.

showed constraints

Employs 'constraints', suggesting limitations imposed by specific factors.

faced limitations

Replaces passive voice with active and introduces the noun 'limitations'.

was restrained

Suggests that something was held back or controlled to a certain extent.

was checked

Implies that the progress or extent of something was stopped or controlled.

was circumscribed

Uses 'circumscribed' to indicate being confined within certain boundaries.

was bounded

Indicates that something was confined within specific limits or boundaries.

experienced curtailment

Replaces with the more formal 'curtailment', denoting a reduction or restriction.

met conditions

Uses "met conditions" to define boundaries.

encountered obstacles

Focuses on the challenges or barriers faced, rather than a direct limitation.

FAQs

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

Use "was limited" to describe a situation where something faced restrictions or constraints. For example, "Access to the internet was limited during the blackout".

What are some alternatives to "was limited"?

You can use phrases like "faced limitations", "had restrictions", or "showed constraints" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing limitations?

While "was limited" (passive) is grammatically correct, using active voice (e.g., "they limited access") can often make your writing more direct and engaging.

How does "was limited" differ from "was restricted"?

"Was restricted" and "was limited" are similar, but "was restricted" often implies a formal or officially imposed constraint, whereas "was limited" can refer to any kind of constraint, whether formal or informal.