a narrow issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific, limited topic or concern that does not encompass broader implications or discussions. Example: "The debate focused on a narrow issue, which made it easier for the committee to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Analysts say even a narrow issue — but one that gives some voters a reason to turn out for him — might improve his single-digit standing in most polls.

The New York Times

You're elected, you vote your conscience on a narrow issue, but now determined opponents don't have to wait for the next election.

The New York Times

Cable said: "We are specifically going to have a look initially at a narrow issue around insolvency practitioners and their fees.

The Guardian - Business

The new President viewed the compliance problems as a narrow issue of law; it was the sole responsibility of the FISA court, not the White House, to oversee the programs.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, the Serbian electorate should be asking why the government in Belgrade shot itself in the foot by bringing such a narrow issue to the international court with the overconfident assumption that the court's ruling would be in Serbia's favor.

The New York Times

But today, the government said that the appeals court had issued the correct decision and that there was "little prospect" that the justices would agree to take the case on such a narrow issue, particularly since in disputes involving judicial misconduct the Supreme Court has ordinarily deferred to the conclusions of the circuit courts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

No doubt the argument will focus on a narrower issue: why the administration stuck so long to its story that this was a protest against a film that turned into something worse, rather than a preplanned attack by insurgents.

The New York Times

The decision, the majority wrote, was not "tantamount to giving a New York law extraterritorial effect" but addressed a narrower issue: whether a New York court should issue a subpoena compelling the testimony of a journalist "when such a result is inconsistent with the core protection of our Shield Law".

The New Yorker

A large group who accept moral luck do not explicitly address the problem of moral luck as so formulated because they focus on what Nagel identifies as a narrower issue, namely, that of free will.

SEP

And legislation focused on a narrower issues, say, the structure and management of the state broadcaster, might have been enacted sooner, avoiding the clash with the EU presidency.The minister should not worry too much about his frankness.

The Economist

"A commission of experts looking at a very narrow issue simply isn't sufficient to address the much broader debate which is needed about England's place in the union, and about the way England is governed," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow issue", ensure that the context clearly defines what makes the issue 'narrow'. Providing specific details helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a narrow issue" as being broadly impactful. Ensure that the scope of the issue aligns with its actual limited consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It identifies a specific topic or problem with limited scope.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a narrow issue" effectively denotes a topic or problem that's limited in scope. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and serves to focus discussions. It's most frequently used in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the issue's limited scope is apparent. Alternatives include "a specific concern" or "a limited scope". Overall, "a narrow issue" is a useful phrase for emphasizing specificity in various forms of communication. The examples of Ludwig and its AI demonstrate the range of applications across different topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited scope

Focuses on the extent or range being restricted, rather than the subject itself.

a specific concern

Highlights the particularity and worry associated with the subject.

a discrete problem

Emphasizes the separateness and individual nature of the problem.

a particular point

Draws attention to a precise detail within a larger discussion.

a focused subject

Highlights the concentrated nature of the topic under consideration.

a restricted question

Emphasizes the limited parameters within which the question is framed.

a contained matter

Stresses that the matter is confined and does not extend beyond certain boundaries.

a precise aspect

Highlights the exactness and detail of the element being considered.

a circumscribed topic

Focuses on the topic being tightly defined and restricted.

a well-defined area

Emphasizes the clarity and limits of the subject's boundaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrow issue" to describe a problem or topic that is limited in scope. For example, "The debate focused on "a narrow issue" within the broader economic policy."

What's a good alternative to "a narrow issue"?

Alternatives include "a specific concern", "a limited scope", or "a discrete problem" depending on the context.

Is it better to address a broad issue or "a narrow issue"?

Whether to address a broad or "a narrow issue" depends on the goals. Focusing on "a narrow issue" allows for detailed analysis and targeted solutions, while addressing a broad issue provides a more comprehensive overview.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a narrow issue"?

It means that the subject or problem being discussed is specific and limited in its scope and impact, rather than being widespread or affecting many areas.