a narrower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing something that is less wide or less broad than something else. Example: "The new design features a narrower frame, making it more suitable for smaller spaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a narrower palette.

The New York Times

A narrower focus might have helped.

The New York Times

Rather, a narrower concern animates them: corruption.

The Economist

He steered me into a narrower profile.

The New York Times

It has a narrower, cleaner sound.

The New York Times - Arts

They substituted a narrower couch.

The New York Times

"It will have a narrower use.

The New York Times

But in practice, it's a narrower set.

The New York Times

At Tora Bora, most villagers take a narrower view.

The New York Times

It sought a narrower range of €30bn-€40bn €30bn-€40bn

The Guardian

That's the mixed blessing of a "narrower and deeper" age.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "more limited" or "more focused" if they better reflect the intended meaning. "Narrower" implies a literal reduction in width, while other options can suggest a reduction in scope or focus.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrower" without clearly stating what is being compared. For instance, instead of saying "the study had a narrower focus", specify "the study had a narrower focus than previous research on the topic" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrower" functions as a comparative adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that something is less wide or less broad than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a narrower" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective that describes a reduction in dimension, scope, or range. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its correct application across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Scientific publications. While considered neutral in register, its specific tone is shaped by the surrounding context. When employing "a narrower", ensure the comparison is explicit to prevent ambiguity. Other phrases like "a more limited" or "a more focused" can be used as alternatives, but "a narrower" is typically favored to indicate a physical reduction in size or scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more limited

Emphasizes restriction in scope or extent, often used when discussing options or choices.

a more focused

Highlights concentration on specific aspects, suitable for discussions about attention or objectives.

a smaller

Indicates a reduction in physical size or quantity, applicable in contexts involving dimensions or amounts.

a more restricted

Implies limitations set by external factors or rules, relevant when describing regulations or boundaries.

a tighter

Suggests a closer fit or stricter control, useful in situations requiring precision or security.

a more concise

Focuses on brevity and clarity, suitable when discussing communication or writing.

a contracted

Suggests a decrease in size or scope, often used in technical or scientific contexts.

a compressed

Indicates a reduction in volume or space, applicable in discussions about data or physical objects.

a reduced

Emphasizes the act of diminishing or lessening, generally used when talking about scale or intensity.

a streamlined

Highlights efficiency and simplicity, appropriate when discussing processes or systems.

FAQs

How can I use "a narrower" in a sentence?

You can use "a narrower" to describe a reduction in size, scope, or range. For instance, "The company adopted "a narrower focus" on its core products." or "The road became "a narrower path" as we ascended the mountain."

What are some alternatives to saying "a narrower"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a more limited", "a more focused", or "a smaller" to convey a similar meaning. Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you want to express.

Which is correct, "a narrower" or "narrower"?

"A narrower" is generally used when comparing two things or describing something becoming less wide or broad. "Narrower" by itself can be used as a comparative adjective, but "a narrower" includes an article and is suitable for many sentence structures where comparison is implied.

What's the difference between "a narrower" and "a more focused" approach?

"A narrower" approach typically refers to a reduction in physical width or scope. "A more focused" approach implies concentrating on specific aspects or objectives, which may not necessarily involve a literal reduction in size or scope.