quite narrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite narrow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a small width or limited scope, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The path through the forest was quite narrow, making it difficult for two people to walk side by side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bedroom is quite narrow.

The New York Times

It's all quite narrow, quite hypnotic.

The New York Times - Arts

Moreover, the margin of benefit to risk is quite narrow.

The New York Times

But the recommended reading list (pdf) seems quite narrow.

The Guardian

On its face, the case looks quite narrow.

The New York Times

Judge Bates emphasized that his ruling was "quite narrow".

The New York Times

Yet, the range of what we think of as data stories can be quite narrow.

Columbia University

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS The restaurant is up one step from street level and is quite narrow.

The New York Times - Food

The houses "are quite narrow, but they're very nicely laid out," Mr. Bee said.

The New York Times

The valley that the site occupies is quite narrow, the hills overlooking it densely wooded.

The New Yorker

Police permission is required, and the definition of "public assembly" is, shall we say, quite narrow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite narrow" to describe abstract concepts like focus or scope, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being limited. For instance, specify "the research focus is quite narrow" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "quite narrow" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your language seem less precise. Replace it with more specific synonyms like "restricted", "limited", or "confined" to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite narrow" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase that describes a noun's limited width, scope, or range. As shown in Ludwig, it modifies both concrete nouns (e.g., "the path", "the valley") and abstract nouns (e.g., "the focus", "the definition").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

38%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite narrow" is a commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a noticeable limitation in width, scope, or range. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase is neither overly formal nor informal, making it versatile for different writing styles. To enhance clarity, consider using more specific synonyms like "limited", "restricted", or "confined", especially in formal writing. Be aware that overusing this specific expression can reduce the power of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly limited

Emphasizes restriction more directly than "quite narrow".

rather restricted

Similar to 'fairly limited' but conveys a sense of being more controlled.

somewhat confined

Highlights the sense of being enclosed or restricted in scope.

relatively small

Focuses on the size or extent being less than average.

moderately limited

Indicates a restriction that is present to a medium degree.

noticeably constrained

Emphasizes that the limitation is easily observed or felt.

appreciably reduced

Focuses on the reduction in size or scope being significant.

distinctly tapered

Highlights a clear and defined narrowing or tapering.

considerably tightened

Suggests a narrowing or restriction that is fairly significant.

markedly diminished

Emphasizes a distinct reduction or decrease in scope.

FAQs

What does "quite narrow" mean?

The phrase "quite narrow" means something is limited in width, scope, or range. It indicates a noticeable restriction or constraint.

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

You might say, "The path was quite narrow, allowing only one person to pass at a time," or "The study's focus was quite narrow, examining only a specific aspect of the problem."

What are some alternatives to "quite narrow"?

You can use alternatives like "fairly limited", "rather restricted", or "somewhat confined" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "quite narrow"?

It's appropriate in various contexts, from describing physical spaces to abstract concepts. It fits well in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversation where a moderate limitation needs to be expressed.