we were constrained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were constrained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that there were limitations or restrictions placed on a group or individuals in a particular situation. Example: "Due to budget cuts, we were constrained in our ability to expand the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

We were constrained by the availability of primary studies, but we aimed to include transporter, receptor and promotor genes to create an index capturing the overall functionality of the dopaminergic brain system.

Nature

"We knew it was a false sense of security, but at the same time we were constrained by local pressures to take the grants," said Mayor Barnes, noting that a tax increase to meet the city's $140 million budget might be necessary.

The New York Times

Since a defendant had been subjected to pressures to which, under our accusatorial system, an accused should not be subjected, we were constrained to find that the procedures leading to his conviction had failed to afford him that due process of law which the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees.

Cornell University

We were constrained in having a final 26 countries/regions of birth for two reasons.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

We were constrained by a lack of alternative instruments validated in the Arabic language or Saudi Arabian population that we might use as standards.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Due to the nonlinearity of the transformation between the frontal and the profile pose, we were constrained to not represent the global face but to restrict to its main components (eyes, nose, mouth, chin) and to use kernel functions.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

We are constrained to reverse this conviction.

Cornell University

"We're constrained in the amount of land," Mr. Jacoby said.

The New York Times

"We're constrained by competition law," said Parsons.

The Guardian

The reality of the licence fee settlement means that we are constrained financially".

The Guardian

In the prison service we are constrained by the walls around the prison.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were constrained", ensure the reason for the constraint is clear to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were constrained" without specifying what limited you or the group. Always clarify the source or nature of the constraint to maintain clarity and avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were constrained" functions as a statement indicating a limitation or restriction faced by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were constrained" is a commonly used expression to indicate limitations or restrictions faced by a group, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts like science, news, and academia. While synonyms such as "we were limited" or "we were restricted" exist, "constrained" often implies a subtle or indirect limitation. For effective communication, specifying the source or nature of the constraint is crucial to avoid ambiguity. The authoritative sources and frequency of usage underscore its relevance in formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were restricted

Uses a direct synonym for "constrained", focusing on the act of being limited.

we were limited

Similar to "restricted" but emphasizes the extent of the limitation.

we had certain constraints

Highlights the existence of constraints as a condition.

we faced limitations

Replaces "constrained" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the act of confronting restrictions.

we were under certain restrictions

Highlights the presence of specific limitations affecting actions.

we were bound by

Indicates being obligated or restricted by something, often a rule or agreement.

limitations were imposed on us

Shifts the focus to the external source of the constraints, rather than the state of being constrained.

our options were curtailed

Emphasizes the reduction in available choices due to constraints.

circumstances limited us

Highlights that external circumstances caused the limitation.

we encountered obstacles

Focuses on the difficulties faced rather than the limitations themselves.

FAQs

How can I use "we were constrained" in a sentence?

Use "we were constrained" to express limitations faced in a particular situation. For example, "We were constrained by budget limitations, affecting our ability to expand the project."

What can I say instead of "we were constrained"?

You can use alternatives like "we were restricted", "we were limited", or "we faced limitations" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we were constrained" or "we were restricted"?

Both "we were constrained" and "we were restricted" are valid. "Constrained" might imply a more indirect or subtle limitation, while "restricted" suggests a more direct or formal limitation. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "we were constrained by" mean?

"We were constrained by" indicates that something specific was imposing a limitation on the group's actions or abilities. The phrase suggests an external factor was preventing or limiting certain actions.