An apparatus is described that includes instruction execution logic circuitry to execute first, second, third and fourth instructions. Both the first instruction and the second instruction select a first group of input vector elements from one of multiple first non overlapping sections of respective first and second input vectors. The first group has a first bit width. Each of the multiple first non overlapping sections have a same bit width as the first group. Both the third instruction and the fourth instruction select a second group of input vector elements from one of multiple second non overlapping sections of respective third and fourth input vectors. The second group has a second bit width that is larger than the first bit width. Each of the multiple second non overlapping sections have a same bit width as the second group. The apparatus includes masking layer circuitry to mask the first and second groups of the first and third instructions at a first granularity, where, respective resultants produced therewith are respective resultants of the first and third instructions. The masking circuitry is also to mask the first and second groups of the second and fourth instructions at a second granularity, where, respective resultants produced therewith are respective resultants of the second and fourth instructions.