narrow selection

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrow selection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a limited range of choices. For example, "After reviewing the available options, we narrowed our selection to three viable candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Relative to knife-edged selectivities, the analysis undertaken here identifies dome-shaped selectivity curves as those less likely to effect harvest-induced evolution, with narrow selection functions (i.e., a high degree of leptokurtosis) being preferable to broad dome-shaped curves.

Evolutionary Applications

From habit, Ms. Portman prefers a narrow selection.

The New York Times

At the time, department stores carried only the most common Levi's sizes and a narrow selection of styles.

The New York Times

The music departments in those stores are mainly known for offering a narrow selection of chart toppers.

The New York Times

In another worrisome trend for the entertainment business, the discount chains' narrow selection is increasing the industry's dependence on hit books, albums and videos, making it harder to call attention to new work and sell older work.

The New York Times

The guest brands also spruce up the catalogue, express more bluntly the company's curatorial role, and give its customers a narrow selection of goods that J. Crew has no business trying to make itself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"In our warehouse we have both a smaller supply and a narrower selection of food products," said Marcella Barba, development coordinator with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

The New York Times

But generics manufacturers in Europe tend to market a narrower selection of best-selling medicines compared with their American counterparts because of price controls in Europe, he said.

The New York Times

Despite the collateral damage of some small publishers being screwed over, a narrowed selection of titles, and the eventual rationing of stuffed seats, this place, and others like it, revolutionised the book buying experience – mostly for the better.

The Guardian - Books

Some of those large chains, which offer a much narrower selection of CD's, became especially skilled at extracting marketing allowances from record labels, reducing the amount that went to companies like Tower, Mr. Dreese added.

The New York Times

As the Obama administration begins to enact the new national health care law, the country's biggest insurers are promoting affordable plans with reduced premiums that require participants to use a narrower selection of doctors or hospitals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrow selection", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited, for example, "a narrow selection of available courses".

Common error

Avoid using "narrow selection" when a more precise term is available. For example, instead of saying "The store had a narrow selection", specify what was limited: "The store had a narrow selection of organic vegetables".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow selection" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "narrow" modifies the noun "selection". It describes a limited or restricted set of options or items, as evidenced by Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI validates this use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrow selection" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe a limited set of options. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing examples from diverse sources such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While the phrase has a neutral register, it is crucial to use it precisely and avoid overgeneralization by specifying what is being limited. Consider alternatives such as "limited choice" or "restricted range" based on the context. To enhance clarity and conciseness in your writing, specify "what" has "narrow selection".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited choice

Replaces "selection" with "choice" and "narrow" with "limited", emphasizing the restricted nature of the options.

restricted range

Substitutes "selection" with "range" and "narrow" with "restricted", highlighting the limited scope.

small assortment

Replaces "selection" with "assortment" and "narrow" with "small", focusing on the diminutive quantity.

limited collection

Swaps "selection" with "collection", indicating a restricted set of items.

curtailed set

Replaces "selection" with "set" and "narrow" with "curtailed", emphasizing the reduced or limited nature.

finite pool

Uses "pool" instead of "selection" and "finite" instead of "narrow", suggesting a limited resource.

select few

Focuses on the exclusivity and small number of options available.

reduced number

Highlights the decreased quantity or amount available for selection.

confining scope

Emphasizes the restrictive nature of the options.

tightened assortment

Highlights the process of making an assortment smaller.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow selection" to describe a limited range of options. For example: "The online store offers a "narrow selection" of books".

What's the difference between "narrow selection" and "limited choice"?

While both phrases indicate a restricted set of options, "narrow selection" often refers to a curated or specific limitation, whereas "limited choice" may simply imply a general lack of variety. Consider using "limited choice" to convey a more general restriction.

What can I say instead of "narrow selection"?

You can use alternatives such as "limited choice", "restricted range", or "small assortment" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "narrow selection" or "narrower selection"?

"Narrow selection" is a general descriptor, while "narrower selection" implies a comparison, suggesting the selection was made even more limited than before. For example, "The company decided on a "narrower selection" of products to focus on its core offerings".