narrowly limited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrowly limited" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a very confined scope or range of possibilities. For example, "Their budget was narrowly limited, so they had to make do with what they had."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

We do not think our decisions in Trainmen and Button can be so narrowly limited.

Cornell University

The protections afforded by the Act against discriminatory transportation services are not so narrowly limited.

Cornell University

"If the Morrissey Decision is not narrowly limited by the distinction between physical confinement and conditional liberty to live at large in society,5 it requires that due process precede any substantial deprivation of the liberty of persons in custody.

Cornell University

The applicability of the fair use doctrine to unpublished works is narrowly limited, since, although the work is unavailable, this is the result of a deliberate choice on the part of the copyright owner.

Cornell University

The dust clouds of the Galaxy are narrowly limited to the plane of the Milky Way, though very low-density dust can be detected even near the galactic poles.

Britannica

Osterling had doubts, writes Kaj Schueler, about the two Latin American authors, calling Asturias "too narrowly limited in his revolutionary subject world", and Borges "too exclusive or artificial in his ingenious miniature art".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"It's a shame if we narrowly limit the definition of video games," he said.

The New Yorker

Four circuits have read 2680(c) narrowly, limiting the exception to officers acting in a tax or customs capacity.

Cornell University

I trust that courts, including ours, will in the future narrowly limit the applicability of today's decision.

Harvard University

In exchange for allowing reconciliation bills to pass by a simple majority vote, budget law narrowly limits the scope and cost of the bill.

The Washington Post

The reasons for narrowly limiting the grounds for collateral attack on final judgments are well known and basic to our adversary system of justice". United States v. Addonizio, supra, at 184, 99 S.Ct., at 2239 (footnotes omitted).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrowly limited", ensure the context clearly defines what is being restricted and the nature of the limitations. This adds precision to your writing and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "narrowly limited" when the restriction is not actually significant. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrowly limited" functions as an adverb-adjective combination that modifies a noun or concept. It describes something that is restricted or constrained in a very specific and confined way, indicating a precise limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

50%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "narrowly limited" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is subject to specific and well-defined constraints. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and indicates that it frequently appears in academic, news media, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to clarify the nature and scope of the limitation to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "strictly confined" or "severely restricted" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance required. Overall, "narrowly limited" serves as a useful tool for precise communication in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly confined

Emphasizes the adherence to a strict boundary or restriction.

closely circumscribed

Highlights the act of defining boundaries tightly around something.

severely restricted

Indicates a significant limitation or reduction in scope or extent.

tightly controlled

Focuses on the aspect of maintaining strict regulation and oversight.

sharply curtailed

Implies a sudden and significant reduction or limitation.

finely bounded

Suggests a precise and well-defined set of limits.

precisely defined

Highlights the accuracy and clarity of the limitations in place.

definitely restricted

Emphasizes the explicit nature of the restrictions.

specifically restrained

Focuses on the deliberate act of holding something back within certain limits.

modestly restrained

Implies a gentle or moderate limitation, often to maintain decorum.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "narrowly limited" in a sentence?

Use "narrowly limited" to precisely define the extent of something's restriction. For example, "The study's scope was "narrowly limited" to participants under 30 years old."

What are some alternatives to "narrowly limited"?

Alternatives include "strictly confined", "closely circumscribed", or "severely restricted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "widely limited"?

No, "widely limited" is contradictory. If something is 'wide', it isn't restricted. Use "narrowly limited" or similar phrases to indicate a specific restriction.

What is the difference between "limited" and "narrowly limited"?

"Limited" indicates a general restriction, while "narrowly limited" specifies that the restriction is precise and confined in scope. The latter is more specific and emphasizes the defined nature of the limit.