narrowly accept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrowly accept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited or specific agreement or approval of something, often with conditions or reservations. Example: "The committee decided to narrowly accept the proposal, allowing for further revisions before final approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unison described it as a 1.5% pay cut after council staff across Scotland narrowly accepted a below-inflation 1% pay rise.

BBC

The union has described the measures as a 1.5% pay cut after council staff across Scotland narrowly accepted a below-inflation 1% pay rise.

BBC

Unison has described the 0.5% cut as equivalent to a 1.5% pay cut after council staff across Scotland narrowly accepted a below-inflation 1% pay rise.

BBC

We adopted this standard in Sunbeam Corp., 86 R.I. at 195, 134 at2d at 163, in which the respondent was enjoined from selling certain products "in its place of business". Reading this prohibition narrowly, we accepted the respondent's literal interpretation that a sale on the sidewalk outside its place of business did not violate the order.

Harvard University

The proposal was made despite council workers across Scotland narrowly voting to accept a 1% pay rise on Wednesday.

BBC

And as for whether customers would be prepared to accept that resources are more narrowly focused to deliver a broader benefit, this is a question for each organisation to ask of its residents.

The Guardian

Sometimes universities accept a student if they narrowly miss out on the grades they need, he said.

BBC

Steven Kovats QC said Mrs May had given "careful consideration" to Mr Miranda's requests and had offered "more narrowly defined" undertakings which the court should accept.

BBC

Thus, it is difficult for them to accept someone who disproves their narrowly formed preconceived notions.

Huffington Post

But the middle way does not necessarily accept that natural selection, defined narrowly as blind adaptation to environmental conditions, is the primary force driving evolution.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

If Britain votes narrowly to stay in, you cannot expect Eurosceptics to accept the result.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "narrowly accept" to convey a sense of hesitant or conditional agreement, particularly when the decision could easily have gone the other way. For example, "The board decided to "narrowly accept" the proposal, allowing for further revisions before final approval."

Common error

Avoid using "narrowly accept" when the acceptance is actually enthusiastic or without reservations. This phrase implies a degree of reluctance or minimal approval, and misusing it can misrepresent the true sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrowly accept" functions as an adverb-verb combination, modifying the verb "accept" to indicate the manner in which the action is performed. It highlights the acceptance is achieved by a small margin or with conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrowly accept" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an acceptance that occurs by a small margin or with reservations. Ludwig AI analysis and real-world examples confirm that it is most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that using "narrowly accept" implies some hesitance, and consider using alternative phrases like "grudgingly accept" or "conditionally accept" to better convey the intended meaning. Avoid using it when the acceptance is enthusiastic or without conditions. Be aware that this usage has limited examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accept with reservations

Emphasizes that acceptance comes with doubts or concerns.

conditionally accept

Highlights that acceptance is subject to certain terms or conditions.

accept with misgivings

Expresses acceptance accompanied by feelings of doubt or apprehension.

barely accept

Indicates acceptance happened by the smallest of margins.

assent with conditions

Similar to conditionally accept, focusing on the formal agreement.

grudgingly accept

Implies acceptance is given unwillingly or with resentment.

scarcely approve

Focuses on that the approval barely happened.

accept by a slim margin

Focuses on the small difference in vote or agreement that led to acceptance.

agree with limitations

Highlights the acceptance of the agreement but adding limits.

reluctantly agree to

Emphasizes the hesitancy or lack of enthusiasm in the agreement.

FAQs

What does "narrowly accept" mean?

"Narrowly accept" implies an acceptance that occurs by a small margin, often suggesting reluctance or the presence of conditions. It indicates the decision could easily have been a rejection.

What can I say instead of "narrowly accept"?

You can use alternatives like "grudgingly accept", "conditionally accept", or "accept with reservations" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "narrowly accept"?

Yes, "narrowly accept" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness, and example sentences demonstrate its usage in reputable sources.

What's the difference between "narrowly accept" and "accept"?

"Accept" indicates a general agreement or approval. "Narrowly accept", in contrast, emphasizes that the acceptance was achieved by a slim margin or with significant reservations, suggesting it was almost rejected.