a narrower version of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrower version of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things, indicating that one is a more limited or specific form of the other. Example: "The new model is a narrower version of the previous design, focusing on efficiency rather than size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The question here, however, is a narrower version of that still-open question.

Cornell University

A narrower version of the legislation was approved last year by the Senate.

The New York Times

In Wisconsin, a narrower version of the legislation had languished and died in previous sessions.

The New York Times

He suggested that the manufacturers would consider a narrower version of the law that mandated parity for serious brain-based illnesses like schizophrenia rather than all mental disorders.

The New York Times - Magazine

The issue here is a narrower version of that question: Where the publisher has lawfully obtained information from a source who obtained it unlawfully, may the government punish the ensuing publication based on the defect in a chain?

Cornell University

So what is a wireless manager to buy? Seth Kirkham, 27, co-manager of the $45 million Guinness Flight Wireless World fund, pitches his fund as more than just a narrower version of a telecommunications fund.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

(DACA represents a narrow version of the DREAM Act, which failed to pass Congress).

The New Yorker

(A narrow version of it was packaged in 1991 under the brand name Ex Libris).

The New York Times - Books

In some conservative quarters we are seeing the return of Burkeanism -- or at least a narrow version of it.

The Washington Post

A narrow version of the measure regarding agriculture funds had been included in Obama's 2009 stimulus package.

The Washington Post

It is shaped by a narrow version of equality of opportunity in a society notable for glaring inequalities of treatment, wealth, income and the exercise of power.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a narrower version of" to clearly indicate that something is a more specific or limited form of something else. This phrasing is effective when you want to show a direct lineage or adaptation.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrower version of" when you simply mean something is smaller in size or quantity. The phrase implies a specific modification or adaptation, not just a difference in magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrower version of" functions as a qualifier or modifier, typically used to describe a noun. It specifies that the noun is a more limited or specific form of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6.67%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrower version of" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase to describe something that is a more specific or limited form of something else. Ludwig AI validates its use across diverse contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. Remember to use it when you genuinely want to highlight a limitation or adaptation, not just a size difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more limited edition of

Replaces "version" with "edition" and uses "limited" instead of "narrower", focusing on scope.

a scaled-down rendition of

Uses "rendition" to replace "version", implying a reduced or simplified representation.

a more concise form of

Focuses on brevity and precision instead of physical narrowness.

a specialized iteration of

Highlights the specific application or purpose of the reduced version.

a refined subset of

Implies a more selective or purified reduction of a larger whole.

a streamlined variant of

Suggests improved efficiency through reduction and simplification.

a condensed adaptation of

Emphasizes a shortened or compressed alteration of the original.

a focused interpretation of

Highlights a particular perspective that limits the scope of the original.

a selective reduction of

Emphasizes the act of purposefully diminishing something.

a smaller-scope adaptation of

Uses 'smaller-scope' to emphasize the reduced breadth of the adaptation compared to the original.

FAQs

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

Use "a narrower version of" to describe something that is a more specific or limited form of something else. For example, "The Child Online Protection Act is "a narrower version of" the original law addressing pornography on the internet."

What phrases are similar to "a narrower version of"?

Similar phrases include "a more limited edition of", "a scaled-down rendition of", or "a more concise form of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a more narrow version of" instead of "a narrower version of"?

While "narrow" and "narrower" are related, "narrower" is the correct comparative form to use when comparing two versions. "More narrow" is grammatically unconventional.

What's the difference between "a narrower version of" and "a simpler version of"?

"A narrower version of" implies a more specific or limited scope, while "a simpler version of" suggests reduced complexity. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize scope or complexity.