a narrow idea

USAGE SUMMARY

'a narrow idea' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a concept, belief, or thought process that is limited or restricted in some way. For example, "His knowledge of celebrity gossip was surprisingly deep for someone with such a narrow idea of what was important in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That means that her memories are fragmented and incomplete, since she often had only a narrow idea of what went on around her.

The New York Times - Books

Le Pen – a member of the European parliament, like Griffin – attacked the "scandalous" protests over the BBC's decision, which he said presented a "narrow idea of democracy".

The Guardian

Investors further seem drawn to NFX because its startups and teachings center around a narrow idea with very broad implications: the importance of network effects, or when a product or service becomes more valuable to its users as more people use it.

TechCrunch

Old development agendas might focus on boosting a narrow idea of economic growth, industrialisation or social services.

Huffington Post

If we want more people out and honest about their sexualities, we can't rely on a narrow idea of genetically determined sexual desire that perpetuates yet another exclusive notion of what's permissible.

Vice

A narrow idea such as a reptile pet grooming and care salon, for example, may not do as well as an animal grooming salon that services dogs, cats, and birds as well.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Sure, Turner was known for "tough female roles" throughout her acting career, but when our world offers women power, it is too often dependent on "sex appeal," an ideal based on a very narrow idea of heterosexual male fantasy.

Huffington Post

Yet I can't help but feel that the initial conversation assumed a somewhat narrow idea of friendship, and I was a little perplexed by the definition of "likability" that emerged for describing books and the characters who populate them.

The New Yorker

One of the things that I found out when I did go to college is that people had a very narrow idea of Washington.

The New Yorker

This is a pretty narrow idea of learning.

Huffington Post

It also reflects a rather narrow idea of neighbor love.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the restrictive nature of "a narrow idea", consider using adjectives like "very", "somewhat", or "rather" to further qualify the limitation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that having "a narrow idea" automatically leads to negative outcomes. While it can limit understanding, it may also be a necessary simplification for specific tasks or initial analyses. Always consider the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow idea" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As suggested by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a concept or understanding that is limited, restricted, or lacks breadth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow idea" is a valid and useful phrase for describing a limited perspective, concept, or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for academic and professional settings as well. When using "a narrow idea", be sure to provide sufficient context and consider the potential implications of such limitations. Alternatives such as "a limited perspective" or "a simplistic concept" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited perspective

Emphasizes the restricted viewpoint.

a restricted viewpoint

Highlights the constrained nature of the view.

a limited understanding

Focuses on the incomplete comprehension.

a constricted notion

Implies a tightly bound concept.

a small-minded view

Suggests a prejudiced or petty outlook.

a simplistic concept

Highlights the oversimplified nature of the idea.

a superficial understanding

Emphasizes the lack of depth in comprehension.

a blinkered outlook

Implies a stubborn refusal to see beyond a limited scope.

a parochial mindset

Suggests a limited, local perspective.

a rudimentary grasp

Highlights the basic and undeveloped nature of understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrow idea" to describe a limited perspective or understanding. For example, "The policy was based on "a narrow idea" of economic growth and failed to consider environmental impacts."

What are some alternatives to "a narrow idea"?

Some alternatives include "a limited perspective", "a restricted viewpoint", or "a simplistic concept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have "a narrow idea"?

Not necessarily. While "a narrow idea" often implies a limitation, it can sometimes be a useful simplification or a starting point for further exploration. The context is crucial in determining its impact.

What's the difference between "a narrow idea" and "a rigid idea"?

"A narrow idea" suggests a limited scope or perspective, while "a rigid idea" implies an inflexible or unchanging belief. While they can overlap, rigidity emphasizes the resistance to change, while narrowness emphasizes the limited scope.