focusing narrowly on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focusing narrowly on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize a specific aspect or detail of a broader topic or issue. Example: "In this report, we will be focusing narrowly on the economic impacts of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Instead of focusing narrowly on one type of technology networking or database software Silicon Valley's biggest bruisers, like Cisco, are branching out.

Forbes

Acevedo did not intend for the film to create controversy, so it does not mention the situation in Colombia, the plot of the film instead focusing narrowly on one man's struggle between life and death.

Wikipedia

Here again, as with PA II-IV, I will begin with a brief sketch of its overall structure, before focusing narrowly on its method as applied to one problem.

SEP

Throwing funding at education programs that attempt to "fix the Aboriginal problem" by focusing narrowly on attendance, or correct parenting courses, or one-off scholarships lays blame exclusively with Aboriginal people.

The Guardian - Opinion

But by focusing narrowly on gas, Mr Davey overstates Centrica's success.

The Economist

A discussion focusing narrowly on the size will undoubtedly meet fierce resistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In this note I intend to focus narrowly on one particular application of the egalitarian principle of equality of opportunity to the allocation of health care resources.

BMC Medical Ethics

In this paper we focus narrowly on Korean films and their influence on Douban, one of the biggest interest-oriented Chinese OSNs.

Journal of Big Data

Instead, focus narrowly on the politics of the deal.

The Washington Post

The investors said, though, that they are focused narrowly on the glasses.

The New York Times

He kept his aides focused narrowly on Ms. Bautista's criminal wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "focusing narrowly on", ensure that the scope of your analysis or discussion is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid "focusing narrowly on" a topic to the extent that you miss important contextual factors or broader implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focusing narrowly on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb. It indicates the act of concentrating attention or effort on a specific, limited aspect of something. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "focusing narrowly on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the scope of attention, according to Ludwig. Its grammatical function involves modifying verbs to indicate a deliberate concentration on a specific aspect, excluding broader considerations. Predominantly used in news, scientific, and academic writing, the phrase maintains a neutral register. To achieve effective communication, it's crucial to define the scope clearly and to remain aware of potential oversights. Related phrases such as "concentrating specifically on" or "zeroing in on" offer alternative ways to emphasize this concentration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrating specifically on

Changes the verb to 'concentrating' and 'narrowly' is replaced with 'specifically' for a more precise focus.

zeroing in on

Uses the idiomatic expression 'zeroing in on' to convey a precise and targeted focus.

pinpointing

Conveys focusing as identifying with high precision.

limiting the scope to

Explicitly states the act of restricting the subject under consideration.

specializing in

Implies a focus based on expertise, changing the meaning slightly to highlight specialization.

singling out

Emphasizes the act of choosing one item or area from a larger group for attention.

centering on

Suggests that something is the main point or subject of attention.

highlighting

Shifts the focus to emphasizing a particular aspect rather than limiting the scope.

emphasizing

Similar to highlighting, but can involve a broader discussion.

directing attention to

More formal and explicitly indicates where attention is being guided.

FAQs

How can I use "focusing narrowly on" in a sentence?

You can use "focusing narrowly on" to indicate a specific area of concentration, such as "The study is "focusing narrowly on" the economic impacts of the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "focusing narrowly on"?

Alternatives include "concentrating specifically on", "zeroing in on", or "limiting the scope to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "focusing narrowly on"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a particular detail or aspect while excluding other considerations. Be mindful that it doesn't lead to overlooking crucial context.

What's the difference between "focusing narrowly on" and "focusing on"?

"Focusing on" is a general term, whereas ""focusing narrowly on"" suggests a deliberate restriction of scope to a very specific element or detail.