a narrow difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or slight distinction between two or more things. Example: "There is a narrow difference in opinion between the two experts on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr Hussein's brilliance is that from such a narrow difference he has created so much bitterness and disarray.

The Economist

Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson, the AL MVP, had a narrow difference with the Blue Jays, asking for $11.8 million.

Los Angeles Times

Our results suggest that single-dose prophylaxis is more cost-effective than a multiple-dose strategy; however, the small difference between the two strategies is primarily based on a narrow difference in cost.

Acta Orthopaedica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Pointing to a Cato Institute report by Will Wilkinson (a fellow blogger for DiA) from 2009, Mr Miller suggests that "technology's impact on quality and prices complicates the way people perceive these matters and how we should judge them":That's because the surging income gap often masks a narrowing difference in the actual consumption experiences of the rich and the rest of us.

The Economist

It could be due to a narrower difference between communities within the province in socioeconomic characteristics than cross-regionally.

BMJ Open

As also seen from the high-resolution SEM image in Fig.  3e, large circular pits are absent, and this is the case for the whole sample giving a narrow size difference between clusters, allowing better packing of the particles.

Colloid and Polymer Science

The US State Department said that Mr Kerry will be travelling to Geneva "in an effort to narrow differences in negotiations".

Independent

Envoys for Iran and the group of six nations negotiating with it over its nuclear program met in Istanbul on Tuesday in an effort to narrow differences.

The New York Times

A meeting meant to narrow differences has widened them.The emerging economies' desire to squeeze more subsidy cuts out of the Americans is understandable.

The Economist

Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose last day as secretary of state is Friday, said at a global forum at the Newseum on Tuesday that she expected Mr. Kerry to undertake a new effort to narrow differences between Israel and the Palestinians.

The New York Times

Dramatic irony is also sometimes equated with tragic irony, situational irony, or structural irony; all those terms are also sometimes understood to exist within a hierarchy that establishes narrow differences of meaning among themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow difference", ensure the context clearly establishes what two things are being compared and why the distinction matters, even if subtly.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow difference" when the difference is actually substantial. This can mislead your audience and undermine your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow difference" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing a small or subtle distinction between two or more items. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow difference" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe a small or subtle distinction. It appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase is valuable for its precision in highlighting subtle distinctions. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes it clear what items are being compared and why the distinction, however small, matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight distinction

Emphasizes the subtlety and smallness of the difference.

a marginal variation

Highlights that the difference is on the edge or border of being significant.

a minor discrepancy

Focuses on the lack of alignment or consistency, with minimal impact.

a subtle contrast

Stresses that the difference is not immediately obvious and requires careful observation.

a fine line

Implies that the difference is precarious and easily blurred.

a hair's breadth

Suggests an extremely small and almost imperceptible difference.

a negligible disparity

Indicates that the difference is so small that it can be ignored.

a small nuance

Highlights a subtle detail or shade of meaning that creates a small difference.

a technicality

Focuses on a small, often unimportant, difference in the strict interpretation of rules or laws.

a shade of difference

Implies that the difference is subtle and difficult to perceive.

FAQs

How can I use "a narrow difference" in a sentence?

Use "a narrow difference" to highlight a subtle distinction between two things. For instance, "There's "a narrow difference" between being assertive and being aggressive."

What's a more formal alternative to "a narrow difference"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a slight distinction" or "a marginal variation" as alternatives to "a narrow difference".

Is it correct to say "a narrower difference" instead of "a narrow difference"?

Yes, "a narrower difference" is grammatically correct and can be used to emphasize the reduction or contraction of an existing difference.

What's the difference between "a slight difference" and "a narrow difference"?

While both phrases indicate a small distinction, "a slight difference" emphasizes the insignificance of the difference, while "a narrow difference" focuses on the closeness or proximity of the compared items.