very narrow

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They have very narrow interests".

The Guardian - Money

The niche is very narrow.

The New York Times - Sports

The fairways have gotten very narrow.

The New York Times - Sports

I said, 'My focus is very narrow.

The New York Times - Books

But, she says, "it felt very narrow.

Independent

The eyering is very narrow or nonexistent.

Cornell University

"Our holding today is very narrow.

Cornell University

That's why the focus is very narrow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"People get very narrow-minded," Hodges agrees.

Independent

He is, he says, very narrow-minded.

The Guardian - Film

Because it's very narrow-minded thinking".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very narrow" to describe an argument or perspective, ensure you provide context to explain what makes it so limited and why a broader view might be beneficial.

Common error

Avoid using "very narrow" as a generic criticism without specifying what broader perspective is being missed. Always provide a specific reason or alternative viewpoint to give the critique substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very narrow" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a limited physical dimension or scope. Ludwig provides examples across various domains where "very narrow" describes physical spaces, concepts, and perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very narrow" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase, as supported by Ludwig. It commonly describes physical dimensions or limited scopes across diverse contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains. Ludwig's analysis indicates a neutral formality level, making it suitable for various writing styles. While versatile, it's essential to qualify its usage with specific context to avoid generic criticisms. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is perfectly acceptable and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely limited

Emphasizes a severe restriction or boundary, similar to a narrow scope.

highly restricted

Indicates a strong limitation, akin to something being very confined.

tightly constrained

Highlights the act of being strictly controlled within a small area or range.

severely limited

Focuses on the intensity of the limitation, comparable to a significantly narrow view.

remarkably slim

Implies an exceptionally thin or slender dimension, relating to physical narrowness.

exceptionally confined

Stresses the state of being unusually restricted or enclosed.

closely circumscribed

Suggests a precise and restricted boundary, similar to a clearly defined narrow area.

extremely precise

Highlights the exactitude and limited scope, related to a very specific focus.

sharply defined

Emphasizes clarity and distinctness in boundaries, mirroring a distinct narrowness.

considerably reduced

Implies a significant decrease in size or scope, relating to the concept of narrowing.

FAQs

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

You can use "very narrow" to describe anything with limited width or scope. For example, "The path was "very narrow"" or "His focus was "very narrow"".

What are some alternatives to using "very narrow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely limited", "highly restricted", or "tightly constrained".

Is it better to say "very narrow" or "extremely narrow"?

Both "very narrow" and "extremely narrow" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on the desired level of emphasis. "Extremely narrow" suggests a higher degree of narrowness than "very narrow".

What does it mean when someone describes a viewpoint as "very narrow"?

Describing a viewpoint as "very narrow" suggests that the perspective is limited, possibly overlooking important details or broader implications. It implies a need for a more comprehensive understanding or consideration of other factors.