a narrow constituency of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow constituency of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific, limited group of people or stakeholders who share common interests or characteristics. Example: "The proposed policy changes were supported by a narrow constituency of local business owners who believed it would benefit their interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Critics say Dr Ramphele can only appeal to a narrow constituency of educated urbanites.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Whereas economic interests and most cause groups benefit a narrow constituency, public interest groups promote issues of general public concern (e.g., environmental protection, human rights, and consumer rights).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That may be an appropriate answer for a narrow constituency," he said.

The New York Times

For guidance in reaching that goal, one identifiable if narrow constituency of women would do well to start by consulting Estrich's "Sex and Power".

The New York Times - Books

General guidance on conducting an economic evaluation recommends adopting a broad societal analytic perspective as the gold standard, but it is widely recognised that a narrower analytic perspective (e.g. health care system) may be sufficient if the purpose of the evaluation is to inform decisions that will be made within a narrower constituency (e.g. health care system) [ 18].

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

The Haitian government still had to agree to the deal, but the fact that a Cabinet officer had announced support for what was, after all, a pretty narrow constituency — the nine hundred or so American families who were in the process of adopting from Haiti — was testament to the emotional power that saving orphans still commands.

The New Yorker

At this stage, Arnold Schwarzenegger is playing to a very specific, narrow constituency with a pretty good idea what their ticket is buying them.

Huffington Post

Each is important to some narrow constituency: a particular labor union, say, or even a single company.

The New York Times

Because it focused exclusively on welfare recipients, however, NWRO's narrow constituency base guaranteed that it would remain a marginal force in the nation's politics.

Huffington Post

It's a story of a public sector that has consistently done less with more, and a liberalism that has often defended the interests of narrow constituencies -- public-employee unions, affluent seniors, the education bureaucracy -- rather than the broader middle class.

The New York Times

It is appropriate that members of Congress pay a price for their support of wasteful projects that serve narrow constituencies, but this is not a major source of harm to the country.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a narrow constituency of", ensure that the limitations and specific characteristics of the group are clear to the audience. Provide context to understand why the constituency is considered 'narrow'.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands the specific characteristics of the "narrow constituency". Clearly define the group's defining features to prevent misinterpretations or assumptions about its size and influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow constituency of" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a specific and limited group of individuals or entities. Ludwig confirms this usage through example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a narrow constituency of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, indicating a specific and limited group. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates that its usage is more common in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the defining characteristics of the constituency to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a limited subset of" or "a small segment of" can be used depending on the context. Overall, this phrase serves to specify and limit the scope of a discussed group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited subset of

Replaces "constituency" with "subset", emphasizing the small and restricted nature of the group.

a small segment of

Emphasizes the idea that the group is a small part of a larger whole.

a select few among

Highlights the exclusiveness and limited number of individuals within the group.

a restricted circle of

Focuses on the limited and often exclusive nature of the group.

a specific subset of

Emphasizes the defined and particular nature of the group.

a discrete section of

Highlights the separateness and distinctness of the group from others.

a finite number of

Focuses on the limited and countable quantity of individuals or items.

a particular segment of

Highlights the distinct and specific nature of the group.

a tightly knit group within

Focuses on strong internal connections and exclusivity.

a specialized segment of

Highlights that the group is specialized in some way and forms a small part of a larger whole.

FAQs

What does "a narrow constituency of" mean?

The phrase "a narrow constituency of" refers to a small, specific group of people or entities that share a common interest or characteristic. It suggests that the group is not broadly representative of a larger population.

How can I use "a narrow constituency of" in a sentence?

You can use "a narrow constituency of" to describe the limited support or appeal of a particular idea, policy, or person. For example, "The proposed changes only benefit "a narrow constituency of" wealthy investors."

What are some alternatives to saying "a narrow constituency of"?

Alternatives to "a narrow constituency of" include "a limited subset of", "a small segment of", or "a select few among". The best alternative depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "narrow constituency" or "small constituency"?

While both "narrow constituency" and "small constituency" imply a limited group, "narrow constituency" often suggests a more specific or specialized interest group, whereas "small constituency" simply refers to the size. The choice depends on the nuances you want to convey.