What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
restricting
Example
The company is restricting access to sensitive information. [restricting: verb]
Example
The new law is restricting the use of plastic bags in the city. [restricting: present participle]
limiting
Example
The budget is limiting our ability to hire more staff. [limiting: present participle]
Example
The teacher set a time limit for the students to complete the exam. [limiting: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Limiting is more commonly used than restricting in everyday language. Limiting is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while restricting is less common and may be associated with more formal or technical language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between restricting and limiting?
Both restricting and limiting can be used in formal and informal contexts, but restricting may be more commonly used in technical or legal contexts due to its stronger connotation of control or limitation.