within narrow limits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within narrow limits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, condition, or range that is restricted or confined to a small scope. Example: "The project's budget can only accommodate changes within narrow limits to ensure financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

WOOL MARKET QUIET.; Orders Still Continue Within Narrow Limits.

The New York Times

Archives|WOOL MARKET QUIET.; Orders Still Continue Within Narrow Limits.

The New York Times

The complex interactions between thyroid hormone and thyrotropin maintain serum thyroid hormone concentrations within narrow limits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The acidity of the body fluids is maintained within narrow limits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lending institution would have to guarantee its own costs and hold the costs of other service providers within narrow limits.

The New York Times

The bills proposed by Michigan and Wisconsin, for instance, both treat driverless cars as experimental technology, legal only within narrow limits.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Human beings would be living shorter, more difficult lives, exposed to more hazards, trapped within narrower limits of experience, opportunity, and imagination.

The Guardian

Thus, the rate of increase of productivity for the economy as a whole varies within narrower limits than the spread of rates among individual industries would suggest.

Britannica

78), it was said to be the undoubted duty of the court to ascertain the meaning of the legislature from words used in the statute, and the subject-matter to which it relates, and to restrain its operation within narrower limits than its words import, if the court is satisfied that the literal meaning of its language would extend to cases which the legislature never designed to include in it.

Cornell University

The current regulations require that emissions in port areas are contained within narrower limits than the open sea.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

The phrase is as comprehensive as any that could have been used; because it was not fit that the constitutional authority of the Union, to appropriate its revenues shou'd have been restricted within narrower limits than the "General Welfare" and because this necessarily embraces a vast variety of particulars, which are susceptible neither of specification nor of definition.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within narrow limits", ensure the context clearly defines what is being limited. Providing specific metrics or examples will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "within narrow limits" when the constraints are vague or undefined. This can create confusion and undermine the intended meaning. Instead, specify the limits with precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within narrow limits" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective by specifying the extent or degree to which something is restricted. Ludwig examples show it describing conditions, ranges, or scopes that are closely controlled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within narrow limits" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where something is restricted to a small range or scope. As shown by Ludwig, it frequently appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, emphasizing precision and control. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the limits are clearly defined. Alternatives like "within tight constraints" or "subject to strict limitations" can be used to add variety to your writing, but they may convey slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances will help you communicate more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within tight constraints

This alternative emphasizes the restrictive nature of the limits, suggesting a strong external force imposing the constraints.

within restricted boundaries

This option highlights the defined and often inflexible nature of the limits, focusing on the spatial or conceptual boundaries.

subject to strict limitations

This phrase emphasizes the imposition of rules or conditions that create the limits.

under stringent controls

This highlights the active management and regulation involved in maintaining the limits.

confined to a small range

This option focuses on the limited scope or extent of something.

limited to a finite scope

This phrase underscores the completeness and measurability of restricted scope.

circumscribed by firm parameters

This option highlights the clear and definite boundaries established by the parameters.

governed by rigid guidelines

This phrase focuses on the structured and inflexible nature of the rules setting the limits.

held within precise tolerances

This alternative is suitable for technical contexts where accuracy and precision are paramount.

narrowly defined

This option is simpler and emphasizes the precise and specific nature of the definition.

FAQs

How can I use "within narrow limits" in a sentence?

Use "within narrow limits" to indicate that something is restricted to a small range or scope. For example, "The temperature must be maintained "within narrow limits" to ensure the experiment's validity".

What are some alternatives to "within narrow limits"?

You can use alternatives such as "within tight constraints", "subject to strict limitations", or "confined to a small range" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "within narrow limits" or "within narrower limits"?

"Within narrow limits" is generally preferred for describing a static state of restriction. "Within narrower limits" is more appropriate when discussing a reduction or further restriction of existing limits.

What's the difference between "within narrow limits" and "within broad limits"?

"Within narrow limits" indicates a high degree of restriction and precision, whereas "within broad limits" suggests a wider range of acceptable values or conditions.