a narrow minority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow minority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small, specific group within a larger population that holds a particular opinion or characteristic. Example: "In the recent survey, a narrow minority of participants expressed dissatisfaction with the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"If it is, it's a narrow minority.

The New York Times

Or, in the most likely option, he could reshape the coalition as a narrow, minority government that would depend on Arab parties, outside the coalition, for majority votes on peacemaking issues.

The New York Times

"What the Minister appears to be saying is that there is enough wind in the pipeline - i.e. he is not scrapping wind turbines but trying to placate a narrow minority of the Tory right who hate wind farms only slightly more than they hate immigration and benefits cheats.

The Guardian

A super, super, super majority becomes a narrow minority as a result of gerrymandered districts, a flood of money into the political system and the misuse of the Senate filibuster.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Absurdist Theater like having a Tea Party gun rally in Dealey Plaza, where President Kennedy was gunned down a half century ago might excite a certain narrow minority but it offends the rest of us.

Huffington Post

On Tuesday, 68 progressive groups wrote to Mr. Obama urging him "to move beyond these half-measures designed to appeal to a narrow ideological minority who have repeatedly shown their unwillingness to negotiate".

The New York Times

It is time to move beyond these half-measures designed to appeal to a narrow ideological minority who have repeatedly shown their unwillingness to negotiate and their disinterest in real solutions.

Huffington Post

They invoke patriotic faith to America, yet try to hijack the will of "WE, the people" he people...the first three words in that foundational document... to impose their own narrow minority Individualist/Hierarchist worldview.

Huffington Post

Within six months of the first election, a second gave the incumbent (minority) Labour government a narrow majority.So some were surprised this time when the leader of the party with the most seats and votes, David Cameron, opted for partnership with the Liberal Democrats although the more obvious course seemed minority government and a quick second election.

The Economist

Labour formed a minority government and went on to win a narrow majority in the October 1974 general election.

Wikipedia

A narrow majority of Malaysians are Muslim, but the country has sizable Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh minorities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify the minority where possible. Even if an exact number isn't available, using terms like "less than 5%" or "approximately one in twenty" adds precision.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the influence or impact of "a narrow minority". While their views or actions may be notable, representing them as representative of a larger segment of the population can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow minority" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific, small segment of a larger group. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a narrow minority" effectively describes a small, distinct subgroup within a larger population, often characterized by specific views or traits. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the larger group and avoid overstating the minority's influence. Alternatives like "a small fraction" or "a select few" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the group.

a tiny minority

Highlights the exceptionally small size of the group.

a select few

Focuses on the exclusivity or distinction of the group.

a limited number

Stresses the restricted quantity of individuals.

a fringe group

Implies the group holds unconventional or marginal views.

a handful of individuals

Illustrates the small number through a figurative expression.

a scant few

Emphasizes the lack or insufficiency in numbers.

a negligible minority

Underscores the insignificant impact or presence of the group.

a restricted segment

Highlights that the segment is not large.

an isolated faction

Points out to how separate/disconnected group is from the mainstream.

FAQs

What does "a narrow minority" mean?

The phrase "a narrow minority" describes a small and specific subgroup within a larger population, often characterized by particular views or traits.

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

You can use "a narrow minority" to describe a small segment of a population that shares a specific opinion or characteristic, such as, "A small fraction of the community supported the proposal.

What are some alternatives to "a narrow minority"?

Alternatives to "a narrow minority" include phrases like "a small fraction", "a select few", or "a limited number", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a narrow minority" the same as "a small minority"?

While similar, "a narrow minority" suggests a more specific or defined subgroup compared to "a small minority", which simply indicates a small number of people. The best choice depends on the context and the level of specificity required.