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SuperESL Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Constrict
"The Soviet leaders felt constricted to follow a radical approach to development."
"The Soviet leaders felt constricted in following a radical approach to development."
I mean to say that the Soviet leaders felt they had no choice but to follow a radical approach.
Do these examples work? If both work, does one work better than the other?
Thank you.
"The Soviet leaders felt constricted in following a radical approach to development."
I mean to say that the Soviet leaders felt they had no choice but to follow a radical approach.
Do these examples work? If both work, does one work better than the other?
Thank you.
Top answer
Hi, 'Constricted' is not suitable. I suggest 'constrained'. It focuses on how they felt when they were about to start.
- Hi, 'Constricted' is not suitable.
- I suggest 'constrained'.
- It focuses on how they felt when they were about to start.
- " This suggests more that they felt constrained while they were following it.
- I don't think you want this focus.
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4 Answers
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Hi,
'Constricted' is not suitable. I suggest 'constrained'.
"The Soviet leaders felt constrained to follow a radical approach to development."
This is the better choice.It focuses on how they felt when they were about to start.
"The Soviet leaders
'Constricted' is not suitable. I suggest 'constrained'.
"The Soviet leaders felt constrained to follow a radical approach to development."
This is the better choice.It focuses on how they felt when they were about to start.
"The Soviet leaders
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Thank you.
To follow up on the distinction between 'constrict' and 'constrain,' under what circumstances would 'constrict' be the better word choice?
My take is that 'constrain' seems to indicate a general restriction of freedom, whereas 'constrain' has the added meaning of forcing somebody to behave in a particular way. So perhaps one never says "subject is constricted [to + ver
To follow up on the distinction between 'constrict' and 'constrain,' under what circumstances would 'constrict' be the better word choice?
My take is that 'constrain' seems to indicate a general restriction of freedom, whereas 'constrain' has the added meaning of forcing somebody to behave in a particular way. So perhaps one never says "subject is constricted [to + ver
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"Constrict" has the sense of a physical narrowing or squeezing in. "Constrain" is much more general, to include legal, moral, or practical considerations that prevent you from doing something. It is not necessarily wrong to say "constrict", but you are using a very colorful metaphor when you do. Consider whether that is the effect you want.
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Thank you for your input.
I am given to understand that the word 'constrict' can apply to more than just the physical realm. My dictionary lists one of its meanings as "to limit or restrict what sb is able to do" and gives the following example:
"Film-makers of the time were constricted by the censors."
I am quite certain that the dictionary does not mean the film-maker
I am given to understand that the word 'constrict' can apply to more than just the physical realm. My dictionary lists one of its meanings as "to limit or restrict what sb is able to do" and gives the following example:
"Film-makers of the time were constricted by the censors."
I am quite certain that the dictionary does not mean the film-maker
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