narrow interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow interpretation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a limited or specific understanding of a concept, law, or text. Example: "The court's ruling was based on a narrow interpretation of the statute, which did not consider broader implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example, he favors a narrow interpretation of the impeachment clause of the United States Constitution.

The New York Times - Books

The adjudicator was able to use his narrow interpretation to sidestep this claim of social segregation.

The Guardian

Instead, it seems to be working on a fairly narrow interpretation of the EU judgment.

The Guardian - Tech

His dissent was determined by an extremely narrow interpretation of the fourteenth amendment.

The Guardian

However, the narrow interpretation of a public authority still applies to other types of service.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also applied a very narrow interpretation of the idea of negligence".

The Guardian

"Most of the people on the ground have a very narrow interpretation of nationalism," she said.

The New York Times

But such a narrow interpretation would make the order largely superfluous.

The Washington Post

Critique of the narrow interpretation of the commerce clause / Robert J.Pushaw, Jr., Grant S. Nelson.

Stanford University

described it as a "thoroughly disappointing judgement based on a narrow interpretation of the law".

Independent

Trump is so unusual and scary a figure that he lends himself to over-, overlyrly narrow, interpretation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrow interpretation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being interpreted and what the limitations are. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience understands the subject matter and limitations of the "narrow interpretation". Always provide sufficient context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow interpretation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "narrow" modifies the noun "interpretation". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a limited or restricted understanding of something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, including law, religion, and politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrow interpretation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a limited or restricted understanding of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and clarify what is being interpreted and its limitations. Alternatives such as "limited interpretation" or "restrictive view" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigid interpretation

Implies an inflexible application of understanding without deviation.

limited understanding

Focuses on the comprehension being restricted, rather than the act of interpreting.

reductive interpretation

Emphasizes that the interpretation oversimplifies the original meaning or scope.

restrictive view

Emphasizes the limiting nature of the perspective.

literal reading

Highlights adherence to the exact wording without considering broader context.

simplistic understanding

Implies a lack of nuance and complexity in comprehension.

confined perspective

Focuses on the limited scope of the viewpoint.

small-minded viewpoint

Suggests a lack of open-mindedness in the interpretation.

limited construction

Highlights that the interpretation builds a restricted view.

circumscribed explanation

Points out that explanation has well-defined limits and boundaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow interpretation" to describe a limited or specific understanding of a concept, law, or text. For example: "The court's ruling was based on a "narrow interpretation" of the statute."

What are some alternatives to "narrow interpretation"?

Alternatives include "limited interpretation", "restrictive view", or "literal reading", depending on the context.

What does it mean to have a "narrow interpretation" of something?

Having a "narrow interpretation" means understanding something in a limited or restrictive way, often focusing on specific details while ignoring broader implications or alternative perspectives.

Is a "narrow interpretation" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, a "narrow interpretation" is appropriate and necessary, particularly in legal or technical contexts where precision is crucial. However, it's important to be aware of the potential limitations of such an approach.