narrow streets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow streets" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as describing a location, setting a scene, or emphasizing a particular feature of a city or town. Example: As I walked through the quaint European town, I found myself navigating the maze of narrow streets, lined with charming cafes and boutiques.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Traffic on narrow streets is harrowing.

The Economist

The narrow streets are choked with limousines.

The New York Times - Arts

When an explosion happens, ambulances roar through the narrow streets.

Independent

Renata sees "the narrow streets running between them".

The New Yorker

Wood-frame shacks line the town's narrow streets.

The New York Times

The narrow streets surrounding the Rixos were spookily empty yesterday.

The Guardian

The narrow streets protected us from Rome's infamously buzzing traffic.

The New York Times - Travel

Small, brightly painted houses hug Angangueo's steep, narrow streets.

The New York Times - Travel

The narrow streets were packed in every direction.

The New Yorker

"I dream of neighbourhoods with narrow streets and warm people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Traffic, construction and narrow streets make it "just too difficult".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, use "narrow streets" to evoke a sense of intimacy, age, or quaintness. This phrase is particularly effective in conveying the character of historic districts or smaller towns.

Common error

While "narrow streets" is a descriptive phrase, avoid overusing it. If you find yourself repeating it frequently, consider using synonyms or alternative descriptions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow streets" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies an implied subject (e.g., a town, city, or neighborhood), painting a picture of its physical characteristics. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "narrow streets" is a common and grammatically correct descriptive phrase used to evoke a sense of history, intimacy, or quaintness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent use in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. When writing, be sure to use synonyms if you are overusing the phrase. The related phrases include "small streets", "confined roadways", and "cramped streets". Ludwig's analysis indicates its suitability for neutral to professional registers, with various authoritative sources employing it effectively. The phrase is well-understood and widely used, making it a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small streets

Replaces "narrow" with "small", emphasizing the diminutive size of the streets.

confined roadways

Uses "confined" to highlight the feeling of restriction within the roadways.

restricted streets

Emphasizes limitations in space and movement within the streets.

cramped streets

Suggests a feeling of being uncomfortably crowded within the streets.

narrow lanes

Specifies the roadways as "lanes", implying a more rural or less formal setting.

close alleyways

Shifts the focus to "alleyways", which are typically narrower and more enclosed than streets.

tight passageways

Uses "passageways" to describe areas that are used for passing through rather than dwelling.

winding alleys

Highlights both the narrowness and the curved nature of the alleys.

ancient alleyways

Implies that alleyways are narrow, old, and historic.

overcrowded streets

Suggests streets with a high population of objects, buildings, and humans.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow streets" to describe the physical characteristics of a place, such as: "The charm of the old town lies in its "narrow streets" and historic buildings."

What are some synonyms for "narrow streets"?

Alternatives include "small streets", "confined roadways", or "cramped streets", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "narrow streets" or "narrow roads"?

The choice depends on the context. "Streets" typically refer to urban or town settings, while "roads" are more common in rural or intercity contexts. Using "narrow roads" could be more appropriate when describing country lanes, whereas "narrow streets" is better for describing cities.

What feeling does the phrase "narrow streets" evoke?

The phrase "narrow streets" often evokes a sense of history, quaintness, or intimacy. It can also imply that a place is older, more pedestrian-friendly, or perhaps more difficult to navigate by car.