What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
constrain
Example
The company was constrained by budget limitations. [constrained: past tense]
Example
I had to constrain myself from eating too much cake. [constrain: verb]
limit
Example
There is a limit to how much weight this elevator can hold. [limit: noun]
Example
The speed limit on this road is 50 miles per hour. [limit: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Limit is more commonly used than constrain in everyday language. Limit is a common word that covers a wide range of contexts, while constrain is less common and often used in formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between constrain and limit?
Constrain is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while limit can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be more versatile in its usage.