a narrow scope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow scope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited range or focus of a subject, project, or analysis. Example: "The research study had a narrow scope, concentrating only on the effects of the drug in a specific age group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It's a narrow scope".

The New York Times - Sports

The problem is, it still feels like such a narrow scope.

The Washington Post

A digital upgrade requires a well-defined team with a narrow scope.

Harvard Business Review

Some studies that addressed a narrow scope of service delivery or a niche policy area were excluded from our analysis.

Harvard University

Because phage kills with a narrow scope, it could be used to cure an infection without disturbing the community of beneficial bacteria in our body.

Harvard University

Roberts said that affirmative action required the "recruiting of inadequately prepared candidates," and sought a narrow scope for Title IX, the law that mandates equal rights for men and women in educational settings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Their only means for redress involves filing a claim in federal court and offers a narrower scope of remedies.

Stanford University

So Mr. Obama's "pause" had a narrower scope, was in response to a specific episode and does not appear to have been fully implemented.

The New York Times

While they are more precise, and thus may be more valid than much of psychoanalytic theory, experiments perforce have a narrower scope than the grand sweep of psychoanalysis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the details of her plan were still being finessed, Collins told reporters last week her legislation would focus on a narrower scope of suspected terrorists who were either on the no-fly list or subject to extra screening at airports.

The Guardian

"You're saying, 'In every possible world, everything is physical.' " In Sentence 2, "Everything is necessarily physical," "necessarily" has a narrower scope: it ignores the merely possible and attends only to what actually exists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow scope", clearly define the boundaries of the focus to avoid ambiguity. This ensures that the audience understands precisely what is included and excluded from the discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations based on findings derived from "a narrow scope". Results may not be applicable to larger contexts or different populations. Acknowledge the limitations of the scope in your conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow scope" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "scope". As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the extent or range of something, indicating that it is limited or focused. This makes it effective for defining parameters in research or projects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow scope" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not overly common, appearing in professional and academic writing, it effectively defines limitations within a particular area. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When employing this phrase, be sure to clarify the specific boundaries and avoid overgeneralizing from its findings. Consider using alternatives such as "a limited scope" or "a restricted scope" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited scope

Emphasizes the restriction or boundary of the subject.

a restricted scope

Highlights the controlled or confined nature of the focus.

a small scope

Indicates a focus on a reduced or minor area.

a confined scope

Stresses the limited and enclosed nature of the subject area.

a limited perspective

Focuses on the constrained viewpoint or outlook.

a particular focus

Highlights a specific or detailed concentration.

a specific ambit

Implies a precise and well-defined boundary.

a defined perimeter

Emphasizes a clear-cut and well-established boundary.

a finite range

Indicates a limited and quantifiable extent.

a selective approach

Suggests a deliberate choice to concentrate on certain aspects while excluding others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrow scope" to describe a limited range or focus of a subject, project, or analysis. For example, "The study had "a narrow scope", concentrating only on the effects of the drug in a specific age group".

What's the difference between "a narrow scope" and "a limited scope"?

While both phrases indicate a restriction, "a narrow scope" suggests a precise focus, while "a limited scope" may simply indicate a general boundary. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a narrow scope"?

Alternatives include "a limited scope", "a restricted scope", or "a small scope". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of restriction you want to emphasize.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "a narrow scope"?

It is appropriate to use "a narrow scope" when you are referring to a focused area of study, research, or activity that intentionally excludes broader considerations. It is often used to define the boundaries of a project or analysis.