"constrained by" vs "constrained to"

Question

"constrained by" vs "constrained to"

Both 'constrained to' and 'constrained by' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Constrained to' is used to indicate limits or restrictions, while 'constrained by' is used to show the factors or reasons causing the constraint.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

Use 'constrained by' when you want to express the factors, reasons, or limitations that are causing the constraint.

Examples:

The team was constrained by time limitations.
She felt constrained by financial constraints.
The decision was constrained by legal regulations.
The progress was constrained by lack of resources.
The company was constrained by market conditions.

Alternatives:

limited by
restricted by
bound by
held back by

Use 'constrained to' when you want to express that something is limited or restricted to a particular thing or situation.

Examples:

The discussion was constrained to the main points.
Her activities are constrained to the local area.
The project is constrained to a specific budget.
The event is constrained to invited guests only.
The options are constrained to two choices.

Alternatives:

limited to
restricted to
confined to
bound to

Answer 1

constrained by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the factors or reasons causing the constraint.

Answer 2

constrained to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate limits or restrictions.

"constrained by" vs "constrained to"

constrained by

constrained to

Related Comparisons