a narrower usage of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrower usage of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the specific or limited application of a term, concept, or phrase in a particular context. Example: "In linguistics, the term 'syntax' has a narrower usage of referring specifically to sentence structure, as opposed to its broader implications in language theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A narrower usage of "change" is exemplified by change in the properties of a body over time, that is temporal change.

SEP

There is a narrower usage of "Levant" that aligns more with a sense of "greater Syria": After World War I, the French mandate of Syria and Lebanon was dubbed the Levant States, according to Britannica.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

An example of the narrower usage of the term comes from those who argue that the word "creationism" refers only to young-earth creationism or "creation science".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

What a narrow use of a beautiful term!

TechCrunch

It reinstates Dubuffet's narrower usage: the creations of emotionally disturbed, often hospitalized people whose work he felt was generated by deep-seated obsessions that had little to do with what he derisively called "cultural art".

The New York Times - Arts

If anyone still insists on calling these smaller groups of theories by the simple name, 'consequentialism', this narrower usage will not affect any substantive issue.

SEP

Note that today's common usage is a narrower sense of the word 'vestige' than was employed by Chambers, whose Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation (Chambers [1844]) referred not only to what would today be considered non-functional evolutionary leftovers, but to any traces that reveal life's past.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The narrow taxonomic usage of Pyl is accompanied by an extremely narrow functional role, at single catalytic sites in only a handful of proteins required for methylotrophy (mono-, di- and trimethylamine methyltransferases), none of which are homologous to one another [ 45, 46].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Whole genome bias dominated our analysis and gave rise to the interpretation that a narrower general codon usage profile is associated with shorter anaerobic generation times.

BMC Genomics

I will here adopt the narrow usage, which makes sensibility theory not a form of sentimentalism but a close relation to it.

SEP

Vegetable, in the broadest sense, any kind of plant life or plant product, namely "vegetable matter"; in common, narrow usage, the term vegetable usually refers to the fresh edible portion of a herbaceous plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying a term, first introduce its general sense before specifying "a narrower usage of". This provides context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid implying that a narrower usage is inherently incorrect. It's simply more specific. Instead, emphasize the context in which the narrower usage is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrower usage of" functions as a qualifier, specifically describing a particular application or interpretation of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a specific or limited sense compared to a broader meaning. The examples from Ludwig illustrate how this phrase is used to refine definitions within various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrower usage of" is a phrase used to specify a more limited or focused application of a term. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds use across various fields, including science, news, and encyclopedic entries. It helps in providing clarity by contrasting a specific interpretation with a broader, more general understanding. While not extremely common, this phrase is a valuable tool for precise communication, especially in contexts that demand accuracy and detail. Related alternatives include "a more limited application of" or "a more specific interpretation of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A more limited application of

Focuses on the extent of application rather than the act of using.

A more restricted use of

Highlights the constraints or limitations placed on the usage.

A more specific interpretation of

Emphasizes the precision and clarity of the meaning being conveyed.

A refined definition of

Suggests that the term has been improved and made more accurate.

A more precise employment of

Focuses on correctness and accuracy in usage.

A selective utilization of

Highlights the choice to use it only in certain contexts.

A more focused application of

Highlights that the focus is on one thing instead of being spread out.

A detailed way of using

Highlights that the instructions or definition of usage are more precise.

A technical use of

More appropriate in technical contexts.

A particular application of

Highlights that one particular case is being chosen.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrower usage of" when you want to specify a more limited or specific sense of a term or concept compared to its broader, more general meaning. For example: "While 'culture' broadly refers to societal norms, "a narrower usage of" the term might focus specifically on artistic expression within that society."

What is an alternative to saying "a narrower usage of"?

Alternatives include "a more limited application of", "a more specific interpretation of", or "a more restricted use of", depending on the context.

Is it always better to use the broadest definition of a term?

Not necessarily. The best definition depends on the context. Sometimes, "a narrower usage of" a term provides greater clarity and precision, which is crucial in technical or academic discussions.

When should I avoid using "a narrower usage of"?

Avoid using "a narrower usage of" if the context requires a more general understanding of the term. Also, be mindful of your audience; if they are unfamiliar with the broader definition, starting with the narrower one might cause confusion.