contracting in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contracting in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is reducing their scope of work or focusing on a specific area, often in business or project management. Example: "The company is contracting in its operations to focus on core competencies and improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Contracting in makes the whole thing unworkable in anything like its present form.

The Guardian

And there's also a marked sense that culture is possibly contracting in certain areas.

The Guardian - Books

It was only his muscles contracting in the heat — still, it give me a turn.

The New Yorker

"It's unfathomable to me that we don't have a bipartisan investigative committee on contracting in Iraq".

The New York Times

Still, that decrease was the smallest since the commercial paper market began contracting in mid-August.

The New York Times

Two federal officials involved in contracting in Baghdad said AEY quickly developed a bad reputation.

The New York Times

He argues that with contracting in, the ratio is likely to be closer to 1 2.

The Guardian

Public-sector contracting in Michoacán is widely seen as controlled and directed by La Familia.

The New Yorker

According to the national income accounts, output and income both stopped contracting in June , 2009

The New Yorker

Between 2007 and 2014, the U.S. spent eighty-nine billion dollars on contracting in Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In symmetric stretching, all the three C H bonds are expanding and contracting in-phase.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contracting in", be clear about what specific area or function is being brought into focus. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contracting in" when you actually mean "outsourcing". "Contracting in" implies bringing something internal, whereas "outsourcing" means delegating something external.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contracting in" functions as a phrasal verb used to describe the action of focusing or bringing resources or activities into a more central or internal position. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contracting in" is a phrasal verb signifying the act of focusing or internalizing resources or activities, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans professional, neutral, and scientific contexts, reflecting its applicability in strategic business decisions, project management, and discussions about economic trends. While not overly formal, it’s essential to use the phrase accurately, differentiating it from similar concepts like "outsourcing". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, although mindful application ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reducing scope

Mirrors the idea of limiting the range or extent of a project or activity.

narrowing focus

Directly implies a reduction in the breadth of attention or activity.

focusing inward

Emphasizes directing attention and resources internally, similar to narrowing the scope of operations.

bringing in expertise

Focuses on acquiring specialized knowledge or skills from external sources.

scaling down operations

Suggests a reduction in the size or extent of business activities.

engaging specialists

Highlights the act of hiring experts for specific tasks, similar to "contracting in" expertise.

hiring consultants

Implies engaging external advisors or experts on a temporary basis.

outsourcing partially

Suggests bringing in external resources for a part of operations.

consolidating efforts

Emphasizes concentrating resources and activities in a specific area.

insourcing selectively

Suggests strategically bringing certain functions or tasks in-house.

FAQs

How can I use "contracting in" in a sentence?

You can use "contracting in" to describe a business strategy, for example: "The company is "contracting in" its operations to focus on core competencies and improve efficiency."

What does "contracting in" mean in the context of business?

In business, "contracting in" typically refers to focusing resources and efforts on specific internal areas or functions, often to improve efficiency or expertise within those areas. It can also refer to engaging specialists for specific tasks.

What is the opposite of "contracting in"?

The opposite of "contracting in" is often considered to be "outsourcing", where tasks or functions are delegated to external providers rather than focusing on internal resources.

Is "contracting in" the same as insourcing?

While similar, "contracting in" can imply a more temporary or project-based focus, whereas "insourcing" generally refers to bringing a function or activity permanently in-house. Both involve using internal resources, but the scope and duration may differ.