within the constraints of

USAGE SUMMARY

"within the constraints of" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate limitations or boundaries within which something can or must be done. Example: The designer created a stunning dress within the constraints of the client's budget and requested color palette.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harlow Council said it was doing all it could "within the constraints of current legislation".

BBC

More important, he played within the constraints of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"You have to work within the constraints of reality.

The New York Times

That means working within the constraints of the existing infrastructure.

The Economist

"People are getting used to not working within the constraints of live action.

The New York Times - Arts

The Republican Party has functioned, by and large, within the constraints of liberal democracy.

The New Yorker

This, and working within the constraints of data protection, have been two of Aimia's biggest challenges.

The Guardian

He said he would support paying city employees more, within the constraints of the city budget.

The New York Times

Besides, his two terms' accomplishments took place within the constraints of formal democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within the constraints of the possible, Lieberman was more consistent, however.

The New Yorker

Humans must construct and maintain social relationships within the constraints of this trade-off.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within the constraints of", clearly state what those constraints are to avoid ambiguity and provide context.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader understands the constraints. Explicitly mention them. For example, instead of saying "We optimized the design within the constraints", specify "We optimized the design within the constraints of the existing budget and timeline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within the constraints of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action or state is limited or influenced by specific restrictions or limitations. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "within the constraints of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that indicates limitations or restrictions affecting an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence in written English. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, it's crucial to explicitly state the constraints for clarity. Alternatives such as "subject to the limitations of" or "limited by the scope of" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to the limitations of

Emphasizes being affected or governed by existing restrictions, adding a sense of dependency.

constrained by the boundaries of

Highlights the limits or borders that restrict movement or action.

limited by the scope of

Highlights the specific area or extent that restricts the action or possibility.

bound by the framework of

Implies a structured or formal set of rules or guidelines that must be followed.

restricted by the confines of

Suggests being enclosed or limited by specific physical or metaphorical boundaries.

under the purview of

Suggests operating within the authority or responsibility of a particular entity or regulation.

in accordance with the parameters of

Focuses on adherence to specific measurable or definable limits.

dictated by the parameters of

Emphasizes that the action or decision is defined in accordance with constraints already established.

governed by the regulations of

Highlights the specific rules that dictate or control something.

circumscribed by the ambit of

Emphasizes the limits of a rule, law, or authority.

FAQs

How can I use "within the constraints of" in a sentence?

You can use "within the constraints of" to indicate limitations or boundaries affecting an action or decision. For example, "The project was completed successfully "within the constraints of" a tight budget."

What are some alternatives to "within the constraints of"?

Alternatives include "subject to the limitations of", "limited by the scope of", or "bound by the framework of", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it more formal to say "within the limitations of" or "within the constraints of"?

"Within the limitations of" and "within the constraints of" are generally interchangeable in formal writing. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Consider that there are cases were the former sounds better and there are cases where the latter will sound better.

What's the difference between "within the confines of" and "within the constraints of"?

"Within the confines of" often implies a physical or metaphorical enclosure or boundary, while "within the constraints of" refers to limitations or restrictions. For instance, you might work within the confines of a small office, but operate "within the constraints of" a project budget.