mere narrowness of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere narrowness of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited or restricted perspective or viewpoint on a particular issue or topic. Example: "The mere narrowness of his understanding prevented him from seeing the broader implications of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is not mere narrowness of outlook.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The narrowness of focus is deceptive.

The Guardian - Books

But the narrowness of the conversation is troubling.

The New York Times

That kind of narrowness of vision, it scares me".

Independent

"Limitations like the narrowness of my range and my tone.

Independent

At worst: selfishness, intolerance, and narrowness of focus.

The Guardian - Opinion

("He held the narrowness of his travels against his passengers").

The New Yorker

The circumscribed narrowness of their lives and their ambition.

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, the narrowness of Bramson's victory is striking.

The Guardian - Business

Although Plato and Aristotle are regarded as antagonists, the narrowness of their disagreement is noteworthy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This happens for whatever reason — shortness of attention span, lack of tolerance or narrowness of taste.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mere narrowness of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited or restricted. This phrase works best when contrasting a limited view with a broader, more comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "mere narrowness of" when the limitation is actually quite significant or consequential. The word "mere" can downplay the importance of the restriction, so use it judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere narrowness of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a limited perspective, scope, or understanding. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase highlights the restrictive nature of a particular viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere narrowness of" is a noun phrase used to describe a basic or fundamental limitation in perspective or scope. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct. While not highly frequent, its usage is consistent and appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, often appearing in news and media. Related phrases include "simple limitation of" and "lack of breadth in". When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being restricted and that the limitation is not overstated. Ultimately, "mere narrowness of" is a useful tool for critiquing viewpoints or strategies by highlighting their fundamental limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple limitation of

Focuses on the basic aspect of being limited, without necessarily implying a negative judgment.

just the constriction of

Emphasizes the act of being restricted or confined, highlighting the process rather than the state.

sheer lack of breadth in

Highlights the absence of broadness or comprehensiveness, emphasizing the deficiency.

basic deficiency in scope

Focuses on the inadequacy in terms of range or extent, emphasizing the incompleteness.

only a limited perspective on

Highlights the restriction to a single viewpoint, implying a lack of alternative considerations.

just a restricted view of

Emphasizes the limited nature of the viewpoint, suggesting that it's confined or curtailed.

nothing more than a confined understanding of

Underscores the idea that the understanding is not only limited but also confined within certain boundaries.

mere provincialism in

Highlights the limited perspective resulting from being confined to a local or narrow sphere.

sheer insularity regarding

Emphasizes the isolation and detachment from broader perspectives, suggesting a lack of openness.

basic tunnel vision concerning

Highlights a focused, but very narrow point of view, especially when it leads to missing other important information.

FAQs

How can I use "mere narrowness of" in a sentence?

You can use "mere narrowness of" to describe a limited viewpoint or understanding. For example, "The problem was not malice, but the "mere narrowness of" his vision."

What are some alternatives to "mere narrowness of"?

Alternatives include "simple limitation of", "just the constriction of", or "sheer lack of breadth in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "mere narrowness of" a formal or informal expression?

"Mere narrowness of" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, but may sound somewhat academic. Consider your audience when choosing this phrase.

How does "mere narrowness of" differ from "simple narrowness of"?

The inclusion of "mere" emphasizes the basic or fundamental nature of the narrowness, suggesting that it's not a complex or deeply rooted issue, just a basic limitation.