a narrower subset of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrower subset of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific group or category that is more limited in scope compared to a broader category. Example: "The research focuses on a narrower subset of the population that exhibits specific behavioral traits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One reason for the misleading early numbers in 2006 may have been that Quinnipiac sampled all self-identified registered Democrats rather than a narrower subset of likely primary voters.

Huffington Post

Enhancer activity was restricted to a narrower subset of neurons (Fig.  7a).

BMC Genomics

The other reviews included in this paper focused on a narrower subset of the governance and accountability literature including community participation in clinic committees [ 20], community accountability mechanisms [ 6], governance approaches in human resource policy design [ 15] and the effectiveness of external supervision of health facilities [ 18].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He said he expected a "narrow subset" of agency documents to be classified, those relating to bioterrorism and the nation's preparedness to respond to it.

The New York Times

Other properties prone to purgatory include walk-ups — particularly those on the upper floors, which are typically coveted by only a narrow subset of buyers.

The New York Times

Many conservation strategies identify a narrow subset of genotypes, species, or geographic locations that are predicted to be favored under different scenarios of future climate change.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

The second is the hashtag ubiquity which discounts hashtags that are prevalent in all contexts and rewards hashtags that are tightly associated with a narrow subset of terms.

Computational Social Networks

We incorporated only a narrow subset of possible features into our predictive models, motivated in part by prior research into the relationship between mood and visual preferences.

EPJ Data Science

A survey of participants revealed that a narrow subset of the rural population was attracted to participate, namely highly educated, experienced landholders with positive environmental attitudes and a low opportunity cost of participation.

Journal of Environmental Management

Recent studies have revealed that overexpression of the tyrosine kinase receptor protein c-kit occurs in a narrow subset of malignant neoplasms, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors, myeloid leukemias, seminomas, and ACCs.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Senator-turned-entertainment-lobbyist, Chris Dodd, thinks the standards don't go far enough, saying it's "an incremental step forward that addresses only a narrow subset of the problem and places a disproportionate amount of the burden on rights holders is not sufficient".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrower subset of", ensure the original set is clearly defined to provide context for the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrower subset of" without clearly establishing the broader category first, as this can confuse the reader. Ensure the context makes clear what the original, larger set is before specifying its narrower subset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrower subset of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a particular group that is more limited or refined than the broader category it belongs to. It serves to qualify the noun and narrow down the scope of reference. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a narrower subset of" serves as a precise way to designate a smaller, more specific group within a larger category. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. Though relatively rare, it frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, highlighting its value in formal, technical, and journalistic writing. To use it effectively, ensure the broader category is well-defined and avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "a more limited portion of" or "a smaller segment of" for stylistic variation. The phrase adds a level of detail that can enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more limited portion of

Emphasizes the reduced size or scope of the group.

a smaller segment of

Focuses on the idea of division and reduction in size.

a more refined selection of

Highlights the precision and discrimination in choosing the group.

a more specific instance of

Shifts the focus to a particular example within a broader category.

a more restricted version of

Implies limitations or constraints on the group's characteristics.

a concentrated form of

Suggests a more intense or focused version of the original group.

a distilled essence of

Highlights purity and concentration of essential qualities.

a microcosm of

Implies a smaller representation of a larger entity.

an exclusive segment of

Highlights the selective and restricted nature of the group.

a select few within

Emphasizes rarity and prestige of belonging to the group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrower subset of" to specify a more specific group within a larger, already defined category. For example, "This study focuses on "a narrower subset of" patients with specific genetic markers".

What are some alternatives to saying "a narrower subset of"?

Alternatives include "a more limited portion of", "a smaller segment of", or "a more refined selection of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a narrower subset of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that you are focusing on a particular, smaller group within a larger, more general group. It's useful for precision and clarity in academic or technical writing.

What's the difference between "a narrower subset of" and "a smaller subset of"?

While similar, "a narrower subset of" often implies a more specific or refined selection based on certain criteria, while "a smaller subset of" simply indicates a reduction in size. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize specificity or just quantity.