a bit narrower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit narrower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is slightly less wide or has a reduced width compared to something else. Example: "The new design is a bit narrower than the previous model, making it easier to fit in smaller spaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Describing physical dimensions

Expressing degrees of difference

Comparing sizes or scopes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Rattlesnake Canyon is an open slot canyon near Antelope Canyon and is quite a bit narrower.

Stanford University

The streetcars, built to carry 156 passengers, are eight feet wide, or a bit narrower than local buses.

The Washington Post

Each of the 195-width front tires on the Exige is actually a bit narrower than the rear tire of a 2009 Yamaha Vmax motorcycle.

The New York Times

'He's just getting the maître d' to park the Hummer H2, but the streets around here are a bit narrower than Cheshire,' said Pino.

The Guardian - Sport

I was watching a video of their match last week, and they now playing a bit narrower in midfield, more compact.

The Guardian - Sport

"I would assume the trade deficit in October is going to be quite a bit narrower," said Ram Bhagavatula, chief economist for financial markets with the Royal Bank of Scotland in New York.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Others found the advice a bit narrow.

The New York Times

— have on the whole been a bit "narrow".

The New York Times - Books

I just think he and Microsoft are a bit narrow.

The Guardian

My shoulders are a bit narrow, so I like a square cut to even things out.

Independent

The information is a bit narrow, but the point of view sincere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two items, clearly state what the phrase "a bit narrower" refers to for clarity. For example, "The new model is "a bit narrower" than its predecessor, making it easier to handle."

Common error

Avoid using "a bit narrower" without specifying what is being compared. Saying "It's "a bit narrower"" without context leaves the reader wondering what the reference point is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit narrower" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that something possesses a width that is slightly less than another object or a previous state. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit narrower" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is slightly less wide than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various real-world examples. The phrase finds frequent use in News & Media and Wiki, showcasing its utility in describing and comparing objects or ideas. While the register is generally neutral, writers should ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared. Alternatives like "slightly less wide" or "somewhat thinner" can be employed for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly less wide

Emphasizes a marginal difference in width.

somewhat thinner

Focuses on a reduction in thickness rather than overall width.

marginally more compact

Highlights the reduced size and improved space efficiency.

a tad slimmer

Uses a more informal and colloquial term for reduced width.

noticeably tighter

Suggests that the reduced width makes the fit or space more restricted.

a little more restricted

Highlights that the reduced width makes the fit or space more restricted.

substantially reduced in width

Emphasizes significant difference in width.

of diminished breadth

Employing more formal vocabulary to indicate reduced width.

a hair's breadth smaller

Suggests a minimal difference in size.

not quite as expansive

Highlights the reduction in scope or coverage, rather than physical width.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit narrower" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit narrower" to compare the width of two objects or concepts, like "The new doorway is "a bit narrower" than the old one" or "The scope of the project is "a bit narrower" than initially planned depending on the context".

What is a more formal way to say "a bit narrower"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "slightly less wide" or "somewhat more compact".

Which is correct, "a bit narrower" or "a little narrower"?

Both "a bit narrower" and "a little narrower" are correct and commonly used. The choice between them depends on personal preference and desired tone.

What's the difference between "a bit narrower" and "noticeably narrower"?

"A bit narrower" suggests a slight difference, while "noticeably narrower" implies a more significant and easily perceptible difference in width.