narrow preference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow preference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific or limited choice or liking for something among various options. Example: "She has a narrow preference for classical music over other genres, making it difficult for her to enjoy contemporary styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Nicholls has doubts about the ground and, with that in mind, narrow preference is for Shot From The Hip (5.15), whose form stacks up well too.

The Guardian - Sport

To compensate for their narrow preference for cliffs, mountain goats eat a great variety of plants: grasses, herbs, foliage, twigs, lichens, and, in particular, alpine firs and other conifers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These provide multiple ways to narrow preferences, including no-fee apartments and pet-friendly places, and include listings from a variety of landlords and rental companies.

The New York Times

However, it may be endangered because of its narrow ecological preferences.

Wikipedia

Fish owls, being tied to the edges of freshwater where they hunt mainly fish and crabs, also have slightly differing, and more narrow, habitat preferences.

Wikipedia

Arctic benthic communities of Atlantic and Pacific origin are likely to expand, displacing colder-water species, especially those with narrow temperature preferences.

Plosone

Being able to rapidly form aversive associations, rather than waiting to determine the consequences of ingestion, should help solitarious locusts maintain their narrow dietary preferences and avoid ingesting toxins [ 29, 30].

Current Biology

He narrowed his preferences to two Almodóvar films that he enjoyed for their theatricality and passionate characters: "Women on the Verge" and the 1987 "Law of Desire".

The New York Times

The narrower substrate preferences by AcI Actinobacteria have been also pointed out by recent genomic and experimental studies (Garcia et al., 2013; Salcher et al., 2013).

Environmental Microbiology Reports

A central and intuitively powerful claim of bureaucratic politics explanations, this premise has been criticized for its narrow view of preference formation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Paradoxically, even as fashion elements creep into device design, many devices look very similar because consumers have a narrow band of preferences.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrow preference", ensure the context clearly defines what the preference is narrowed to. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow preference" without specifying the area of preference. Saying someone has a "narrow preference" without clarifying what it pertains to can leave the statement vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow preference" functions as a noun phrase, where "narrow" modifies the noun "preference". It describes a specific or limited inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrow preference" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though Ludwig shows it is relatively rare in published English. It functions as a noun phrase and is typically used to indicate a limited or specific liking. The primary contexts where it appears are science, news media, and encyclopedias, giving it a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, it's best to specify what the preference is narrowed to, avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives like "limited inclination", "specific liking", and "particular taste" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate and suggests it is a correct expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited inclination

Emphasizes a restricted tendency or leaning towards something.

specific liking

Highlights a particular fondness for a certain thing.

particular taste

Indicates a distinct and individual sense of what is enjoyable.

restricted selection

Focuses on a limited range of choices or options.

limited predilection

Similar to inclination, but suggests a stronger, pre-existing preference that is also restricted.

distinctive choice

Suggests a clear and easily identifiable selection.

focused interest

Indicates a concentrated area of attention or enthusiasm.

selective affinity

Highlights a specific connection or attraction to something.

circumscribed liking

Emphasizes that the liking is confined or restricted.

fixed preference

Highlights a steadfast, unchanging preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow preference" to describe a limited or specific liking for something. For example, "She has a "narrow preference" for certain types of music".

What's the difference between "narrow preference" and "strong preference"?

"Narrow preference" implies a limited range of choices or a specific liking, while "strong preference" indicates a powerful inclination that isn't necessarily limited. For example, you can have a strong liking for a variety of things, but a "narrow preference" suggests a specific taste.

What can I say instead of "narrow preference"?

You can use alternatives like "limited inclination", "specific liking", or "particular taste" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to have a "narrow preference"?

Not necessarily. Having a "narrow preference" can simply mean that someone has a distinct and defined taste. It's not inherently negative unless it leads to exclusion or limits opportunities.