a narrow road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow road" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a road that has limited width, often implying that it may be difficult for two vehicles to pass each other. Example: "As we drove through the countryside, we found ourselves on a narrow road surrounded by tall trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He turned down a narrow road, and declined to chat.

The New York Times

They drove through a moonless darkness on a narrow road.

The New Yorker

A narrow road runs by a river that passes through steep ravines, studded with maples.

The Economist

The driver of the motorbike had also tried to pass on a narrow road.

The New York Times - Sports

You can leave the village by car only on a narrow road heading north.

The New York Times - Magazine

Boulevard East is a narrow road with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.

The New York Times

The dividing line is on a narrow road on top of a bluff.

The Guardian

A narrow road barrier, cunningly unlit and set below waist height, strung out across the road.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another walk brought us to the Gates of Dawn, a bulwark that blocks a narrow road.

The New York Times - Travel

One reaches this town by a narrow road that spirals upward around a steep mountain.

The New York Times - Travel

(The eastern shore has a narrow road that frequently is clogged with traffic, especially in the summer).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow road" in descriptive writing, consider adding details about its surroundings to enhance the imagery, such as "a narrow road winding through a dense forest" or "a narrow road perched on a cliffside."

Common error

Avoid using "narrow" redundantly. Instead of saying "a very narrow road", try using more descriptive adjectives like "constricted", "slim", or "tight" to convey the limited width more effectively.

Linguistic Context

A narrow road functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a physical route characterized by its limited width. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A narrow road is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a road with limited width. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While straightforward in its primary descriptive function, it can also be employed metaphorically. When writing, consider the surrounding details to enhance the imagery and avoid redundant use of "narrow" by exploring synonyms such as "a tight lane" or "a constricted road". Understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tight road

Emphasizes the limited space available on the road.

a winding road

Highlights the road's curves and turns, often implying it's also narrow.

a constricted road

Focuses on the road being confined or restricted in width.

a slim road

Indicates the road's small width in a simple manner.

a confined road

Stresses the limited space and possible difficulty in maneuvering.

a restricted road

Emphasizes limitations not only in width but potentially access or use.

a small road

A general term indicating the road's diminutive size.

a secondary road

Focuses on the importance or status of the road.

a back road

Highlights the road's location, usually in a rural or less traveled area.

a minor road

Suggests the road is less important or less frequently used.

FAQs

How can I describe the experience of driving on "a narrow road"?

You can describe the feeling of navigating "a narrow road" by focusing on the challenges and sensations, such as the need for careful maneuvering, the feeling of being enclosed by the surroundings, or the thrill of driving through a tight space. For example, you might say, "Driving on "a narrow road" required constant attention to avoid scraping the sides of the car."

What are some synonyms for "a narrow road" that I can use in my writing?

Alternatives to "a narrow road" include "a tight lane", "a slim pathway", or "a constricted road". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How does "a narrow road" differ from a "small road"?

"A narrow road" specifically refers to the road's width, indicating that it is not very wide. "A small road", on the other hand, can refer to various aspects of the road's size, including its length or importance. While a narrow road is typically also small, the emphasis is on its limited width.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a narrow road" metaphorically?

Yes, "a narrow road" can be used metaphorically to represent a difficult or restrictive path in life or in a particular situation. For instance, you might say, "He chose "a narrow road" in his career, focusing solely on one specific skill."