in the narrows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the narrows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific location that is narrow or constricted, often in a geographical or metaphorical context. Example: "The boat struggled to navigate in the narrows, where the water was swift and the cliffs loomed high."

✓ Grammatically correct

Geography

Maritime

Figurative Language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

High bank of creek, in the narrows between Slaterville and Caroline Center (K.M.W., A.J.E., & L.F. Randolph).

Cornell University

Mr. Scheffer plants oyster seed, or tiny oysters, in the narrows of Katama Bay, between Edgartown harbor and the island of Chappaquiddick.

The New York Times - Food

Until they converged in the narrows of southern Mexico and the confined spaces of Central America, there was little of the fierce competition or the close interaction among groups that might have stimulated cultural inventiveness.

Britannica

About 4,000 feet up the mountains, in the narrows of the Karmadon Gorge, where the disaster occurred, the North Ossetian Emergencies Ministry has cobbled together workers and equipment to help in the search.

The New York Times

Yet this Persian advantage, and that conferred by the greater experience of the Phoenician sailors on the Persian side, were canceled out by the Greek advantages of position: a fight in the narrows would enable them to board and fight hand to hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"However, there may have been changes in the behaviour of harbour porpoises sheltering in the narrows".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

However, both microsatellite markers in the narrowed region, RH69880 and D16S2859, were homozygous (uninformative).

BMC Cancer

Do some preliminary research in the narrowed field.

WikiHow

In the narrowest sense, he's right.

The New York Times

These pilgrims disputed in the narrow corridors..

Cornell University

Gunfire continued in the narrow corridors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the narrows", consider the specific context. Is it a literal geographic location, or a metaphorical representation of a constricted situation? Ensure the surrounding language clarifies the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "in the narrows" when a broader term like "in the vicinity" or "nearby" would be more appropriate. The phrase implies a specific kind of constriction, not just general proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the narrows" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or circumstance. It specifies a position within a constricted or confined area, literally or figuratively, as Ludwig illustrates with examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science & Research

15%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the narrows" is a prepositional phrase that effectively conveys the idea of being situated in a constricted or confined space, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various reputable sources. Predominantly found in news and media, academic texts, and encyclopedias, it serves to provide specific context and often implies challenges associated with the limited environment. While alternatives like "in the strait" or "in the channel" exist, "in the narrows" offers a unique emphasis on the act of constriction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the strait

Replaces "narrows" with a synonym suggesting a narrow passage of water.

in the channel

Similar to "strait", but can refer to any defined waterway.

in the confines

Shifts focus from physical space to the feeling of being limited or restricted.

in the tight spot

Uses idiomatic language to convey a difficult or confined situation.

in the bottleneck

Emphasizes a point of congestion or restriction.

in the constrictions

Highlights the act of narrowing or tightening.

in the defile

Describes a narrow passage, often in a mountainous region.

in close quarters

Focuses on the proximity and limited space.

in restricted space

Directly indicates a limited area.

in the pinch

Idiomatic expression suggesting a tight or difficult situation, often due to limited resources or time.

FAQs

How can I use "in the narrows" in a sentence?

You can use "in the narrows" to describe a location that is physically constricted, such as "The ship navigated carefully "in the narrows" of the river". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation with limited options or resources.

What can I say instead of "in the narrows"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in the strait", "in the channel", or "in the confines".

Is "in the narrows" more appropriate for physical spaces or abstract concepts?

"In the narrows" can be used for both, but it's more commonly used for physical locations like bodies of water or mountain passes. When using it for abstract concepts, ensure the metaphor of constriction is clear and relevant.

Which is correct, "in the narrows" or "through the narrows"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "In the narrows" describes being located within a constricted space, while "through the narrows" describes the act of passing or moving through such a space.