narrow curve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow curve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a curve that has a small radius or is tight in shape, often in contexts related to roads, paths, or design. Example: "The driver had to slow down significantly to navigate the narrow curve safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Because you are at the apex of the Adriatic, on the narrow curve where Italy becomes Slovenia and Slovenia then becomes Croatia, you can see across a carpet of blue to distant hills and, on a clear day like the one I was there, even more distant mountains, sometimes dusted with snow.

The New York Times - Travel

Directly on the water but tucked away in a narrow curve is the well-renowned fish restaurant that began life in the 70's as a fisherman's tavern and today, run by the son of the original owners, has diners lining up for hours for a spot on the waterside.

Huffington Post

Sometimes long straight segments can be found followed by a narrow curve or loop.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The narrow, curving white-walled alleys of Arcos scarcely pretend to be streets and often morph into stairways.

The New York Times - Travel

In addition, Town Center has especially wide sidewalks for comfortable walking and narrow curving streets and alleys that make bike-riding safer.

The New York Times

There are frequent collisions between motorised carts and pedestrians in its narrow, curving alleyways, the vestige of a former railway line; an ambulance needs to be called almost every day.

The Economist

After waiting for a huge car carrier to sail through from the Pacific side, our ship cruised through the narrow, curving cut, the quartermaster positioning the vessel midchannel by using the flagstaff at the bow as a kind of rifle sight, lining it up with giant markers on the hillsides.

The New York Times - Travel

Steep, narrow, curving lanes lead to hidden squares with market stalls, oversize churches, quiet inns and unexpected museums — like the three-story house with a salmon-red facade at Positos No. 47, where the painter Diego Rivera was born in 1886.

The New York Times - Travel

Curve squealing of railway wheels occurs erratically in narrow curves with a frequency of about 4kHz.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This trolley can only run on straight sections and not on narrow curves or switches.

Journal of Modern Transportation

The paper deals with numerical models of railway wheel noise occurring in narrow curves.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing roads or paths, use "narrow curve" to clearly indicate a turn with a small radius. This helps readers visualize the space and potential challenges in navigating it.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow curve" to describe abstract concepts or situations where a physical curve isn't implied. This can lead to confusion and weaken your writing. Stick to its literal meaning related to shapes and paths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow curve" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to specify the physical characteristics of a curve. It follows standard grammatical rules, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "narrow curve" is a grammatically sound and usable term in written English, as supported by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe a curve with a small radius or tight shape, frequently found in contexts related to roads, paths, or design. While it's not an extremely common phrase, its meaning is clear and it can be effectively used in both neutral and technical registers. Consider alternatives such as ""tight bend"" or ""sharp turn"" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight bend

Focuses on the sharpness of the turn rather than its width.

sharp turn

Emphasizes the abrupt change in direction.

acute curve

Uses a more technical term to describe the angle of the curve.

confined bend

Highlights the limited space within the curve.

restricted curve

Implies limitations or difficulties in navigating the curve.

slender arc

Describes the curve as being thin and graceful.

close turn

Indicates that the turning radius is small.

slight crescent

Suggests a gentle and subtle curve.

hairpin turn

Specifies a very sharp and tight curve, often in roads.

gentle sweep

Contrasts with the original by implying a wide and gradual curve, instead of a narrow one.

FAQs

How can I use "narrow curve" in a sentence?

You might say, "The road ahead features a "narrow curve", so reduce your speed," or "The design incorporates a "narrow curve" to maximize space."

What's a good alternative to "narrow curve"?

Depending on the context, consider using "tight bend", "sharp turn", or "acute curve".

Is "narrow curve" too informal for professional writing?

No, "narrow curve" is suitable for various contexts, including professional writing. Its clarity and directness make it effective across different registers. More technical terms like ""acute curve"" could be used in scientific contexts.

How does a "narrow curve" differ from a "wide curve"?

A "narrow curve" indicates a small turning radius, requiring more caution when navigating. A "wide curve" implies a larger turning radius, allowing for easier and faster navigation.