growing narrower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing narrower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is gradually becoming more narrow over time, whether physically or metaphorically. Example: "As the river flows downstream, it is growing narrower, creating a more concentrated current."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But, even as Giuliani was coasting to a second term, the circle around him was growing narrower, and the few dissenting voices fewer.

The New Yorker

He smiled to think that it was even smaller than Nicky's bedroom in the trailer, that each room in his life was growing narrower.

The New Yorker

Yet the margin for real dissent whether on the street, in parliament or in the media is growing narrower all the time.

The Economist

"It's like entering a long tunnel: there is no light at the end and it's growing narrower and narrower -- at the end you're going to be stuck," the president said.

The New York Times

But as Tiger Woods walked away from his eighth consecutive Masters and 11th consecutive major without a victory, the path before him seemed to be growing narrower and shorter and still not quite the same since that path was blocked by a symbolically weighty fire hydrant.

The New York Times - Sports

Beginning with a general question—What is good?—it progressively breaks up this question into a whole series of subordinate questions, analyzing meanings ever more minutely, growing narrower and narrower but always with the utmost modesty and sincerity, striving for increasing simplicity and exactitude.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His path to victory is growing narrow and dark.

The New York Times

The roster of contenders has grown narrower and narrower with the increasing disparities in teams' wealth.

The New Yorker

Historic maps show how the Hudson River has grown narrower and straighter, with more rigidly defined shores.

Columbia University

This is why the Empire State building grows narrower as it rises.

The Guardian

The road grew narrower as it wound into the mountains, and the sun disappeared.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "growing narrower", consider the specific context. Is it a physical narrowing (e.g., a road) or a metaphorical one (e.g., opportunities)? Choose vocabulary that best matches the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "growing narrower" when referring to concepts that don't logically narrow, such as time or sound. For example, instead of saying "time is growing narrower", consider alternatives like "time is running out" or "time is becoming more limited".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing narrower" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used within a continuous verb tense. It describes the process of something becoming less wide or less broad, either literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing narrower" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the process of something becoming less wide or broad. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is valid. It is used across various contexts, from describing physical spaces to abstract concepts like opportunities or freedoms. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist. To enhance clarity, consider whether a physical or metaphorical narrowing is intended, and choose related vocabulary accordingly. Be mindful of overusing it in contexts where the narrowing isn't logical; use alternatives such as "time is running out". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively employ "growing narrower" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming constricted

Focuses on the act of something becoming tight or restricted.

diminishing in width

Specifically emphasizes the reduction in physical width.

tapering down

Implies a gradual decrease towards a point.

shrinking in scope

Shifts the focus to a reduction in the extent or range of something abstract.

closing in

Suggests a reduction in available space or options, often with a sense of pressure.

becoming tighter

Indicates increasing restriction or limitation.

converging

Describes lines or paths moving closer to each other.

becoming limited

Highlights the imposition of restrictions or boundaries.

reducing in size

General term for something becoming smaller.

constricting

Emphasizes the act of something tightening or becoming narrower, often in a physical sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing narrower" to describe something physically becoming more narrow, as in, "The path was growing narrower as we ascended the mountain." You can also use it metaphorically, as in, "The window of opportunity is growing narrower."

What are some alternatives to "growing narrower"?

Alternatives to "growing narrower" include "becoming constricted", "diminishing in width", or "shrinking in scope", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "growing narrower and narrower"?

Yes, "growing narrower and narrower" is a correct and emphatic way to express that something is becoming increasingly narrow. This construction emphasizes the progressive reduction in width or scope.

Can "growing narrower" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "growing narrower" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts such as opportunities, options, or perspectives. For instance, you could say, "The range of acceptable opinions is growing narrower."