narrow minded thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow minded thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mindset that is limited or lacking in openness to new ideas or perspectives. Example: "His narrow minded thinking prevents him from considering alternative solutions to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He rediscovered a sacred earth with all its complexity, beauty and mystery, free from the constraints of this or that ideology, free from narrow minded thinking, and he was freed to reimagine the relationship between humanity and nature with Interface as the model.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rearranging the eurozone now would have many problems, but difficult issues have to be intelligently discussed, rather than allowing Europe to drift in financial winds fed by narrow-minded thinking with a terrible track record.

The Guardian - Opinion

And hence, ladies and gentlemen, Damore was unquestionably fired to minimize the damage he has already created for his firm, himself, and others that his narrow-minded thinking has hurt.

Forbes

Because it's very narrow-minded thinking".

Huffington Post

Following an idealist leads to very narrow-minded thinking with a linear thought process.

Huffington Post

I can think of some pragmatic reasons for cutting funds dedicated to feeding people, but it takes an amazing display of narrow-minded thinking to use a single quote in the Bible to justify taking food out of the mouths of the poor.

Los Angeles Times

"Whether it's the social justice and environmental issues, imagine if we all engaged in long term thinking as opposed to narrow minded ideas of basically scarcity as opposed to abundance".

Vice

"Whether it's the social justice and environmental issues, imagine if we all engaged in long term thinking as opposed to narrow minded ideas of basically scarcity as opposed to abundance". .

Vice

Society can be narrow minded and overtly conformist.

The Guardian

The usual irrelevant, patronising, narrow minded, list fetishist drivel.

BBC

Why is such idiotically narrow minded behaviour so prevalent?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing "narrow minded thinking", provide specific examples of the limited perspectives or biases at play. This makes your critique more constructive and less accusatory.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone's views as "narrow minded" without providing context or justification. This can come across as dismissive and fail to address the underlying reasons for their perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow minded thinking" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to characterize a particular style or quality of thought, often in a critical or evaluative context. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrow minded thinking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a limited and often critical way of thought. As noted by Ludwig, it is appropriate for use in many contexts, but should be employed carefully to avoid overgeneralization and ensure constructive criticism. Alternatives such as "limited perspective" or "closed-mindedness" can offer nuanced options. Its prevalence across news, academic, and general media sources highlights its widespread understanding and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited perspective

Focuses on the constraint of viewpoint rather than the intellectual process.

closed-mindedness

Emphasizes the unwillingness to consider different viewpoints.

inflexible mindset

Highlights the rigidity and resistance to change in one's way of thinking.

parochial outlook

Suggests a limited view due to a narrow scope of experience or interest.

dogmatic thinking

Implies adherence to rigid beliefs without considering evidence.

small-mindedness

Focuses on pettiness and lack of generosity in thought.

insular viewpoint

Highlights isolation and lack of exposure to diverse perspectives.

biased reasoning

Indicates prejudice influencing thought processes.

unreceptive attitude

Emphasizes the unwillingness to accept new information or ideas.

hidebound opinions

Suggests clinging to outdated or traditional views.

FAQs

How can I use "narrow minded thinking" in a sentence?

You can use "narrow minded thinking" to describe a limited or biased perspective. For example, "His narrow minded thinking prevented him from seeing the benefits of the new policy."

What is an alternative to "narrow minded thinking"?

Alternatives include "limited perspective", "closed-mindedness", or "inflexible mindset". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "narrow minded thinking" a negative term?

Yes, "narrow minded thinking" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of openness and an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints. It implies a limited or biased perspective.

What are the characteristics of "narrow minded thinking"?

"Narrow minded thinking" is often characterized by a resistance to new ideas, a reliance on preconceived notions, and a difficulty in understanding or appreciating different perspectives. It can also involve a judgmental or intolerant attitude toward those who hold different beliefs.