was restricted by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was restricted by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was limited or constrained by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The project was restricted by budget limitations, which affected its overall scope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her own sleuthing was restricted by confidentiality laws.

The Guardian - Music

Wearing jewelry was restricted by feudal protocol and tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

The movie gives some feeling of the stage production, but it was restricted by censorship problems.

The Guardian

Indeed, Creed's pyramid of nearly three thousand cinder blocks was restricted by the height of the ceiling.

The New Yorker

Yet in her own way, which was restricted by her class and her times, she managed to be both things.

The New York Times

In Nyasaland the BSAC hoped settlers would develop the territory, but white immigration was restricted by Nyasaland's sluggish economic prospects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an email, Kogan said he was unable to explain in detail where all the data came from, as he was restricted by various confidentiality agreements.

The Guardian

Nevertheless her role was restricted by her gender (the Archbishop of Bologna insisted she was only allowed to lecture if specifically asked).

The Guardian

Ultimately, the burglar killed by the alligator would make the list, too, as someone whose freedom to leave was restricted by police at the time he was killed.

The Guardian

Study enrollment was restricted by funding.

Sports Medicine - Open

Cortex was restricted by one to seven parenchyma cell layers.

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was restricted by", ensure that the limiting factor is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was restricted by" without specifying what the restriction is. For example, instead of saying "The project was restricted", specify "The project was restricted by budget limitations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was restricted by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject's scope, movement, or ability is limited or constrained by a specific factor. This usage is validated by Ludwig, confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was restricted by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is limited or constrained by a specific factor. Ludwig confirms that it can be used to clearly indicate limitations in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives like "was limited by" and "was constrained by" exist, it's important to ensure that the restricting factor is clearly identified to maintain clarity. Remember to avoid vagueness and provide specific details about the limitation to enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was limited by

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, simply replacing "restricted" with "limited".

was constrained by

This option offers a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the presence of significant limitations.

was hampered by

Here, the focus shifts to the hindering effect of the restricting factor.

was curtailed by

This variation suggests a sudden or premature reduction in scope or activity.

was inhibited by

This implies that something was actively prevented or slowed down by the restricting element.

was governed by

This option means that something was controlled by certain rules.

was dictated by

This suggests that a condition or factor forcefully determined the outcome or possibilities.

was bound by

This implies obligation and forced adherence to a certain condition.

was checked by

This alternative suggests that something was stopped from increasing or developing.

was affected by

A broader term indicating influence, but less specific about the degree of limitation.

FAQs

How can I use "was restricted by" in a sentence?

The phrase "was restricted by" indicates that something was limited or constrained by a particular factor. For example, "The research "was restricted by" ethical concerns".

What are some alternatives to "was restricted by"?

You can use alternatives like "was limited by", "was constrained by", or "was hampered by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "was limited by" or "was restricted by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Was limited by" is generally more common, while ""was restricted by"" might imply a more formal or enforced limitation.

What does "was restricted by" mean?

The phrase "was restricted by" means something was limited, controlled, or prevented by something else. It indicates that an action, process, or ability faced specific limitations due to an external factor. The phrase implies there existed some external enforcer, whether a rule or law.