What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
constrain
Example
The budget constraints prevented us from hiring more staff. [constrain: verb]
Example
The company was constrained by government regulations. [constrained: past participle]
restrict
Example
The school restricted the use of cell phones during class. [restrict: verb]
Example
The new policy restricted access to certain areas of the building. [restricted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restrict is more commonly used than constrain in everyday language. Restrict is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while constrain is less common and often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between constrain and restrict?
Constrain is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while restrict is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
