funnel down

USAGE SUMMARY

"funnel down" is a valid expression in English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a group or mass of items is narrowed or focused, for example: "The government funneled down the list of candidates for the job from 250 to 10."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

You aim for certain areas and let the ball funnel down toward the holes.

The New York Times - Sports

Like most birds, migrating raptors do not like to cross open water because that puts them far away from food and shelter, so they funnel down through Cape May, then rest before crossing Delaware Bay.

The New York Times - Travel

Even after Barack Obama, prompted by Ferguson, ordered a government-wide review of the provision of military hardware to police, lethal weaponry, vehicles, equipment and cash continue to funnel down to police – only now with more layers of red tape.

The Guardian

It's obviously going to be hard to funnel down, to take on a particular issue, or to be, say, in an ambassadorial post where you really don't have any influence over foreign policy at all.

The New York Times

They are rooted in inspiration, but they do not funnel down to the granular details.

TechCrunch

He bought it the next day at $37. "PC makers had significant demand increases in the third quarter, and it was just a matter of time before that would funnel down to contractors," he says.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Even a tiny home theater is being funneled down in plastic tubes to occupy the 33 miners stuck in their subterranean home.

The New York Times

Plants receive rainwater, slowing the flow, before the water is filtered and funneled down to a container garden on the lower roof for irrigation.

The New York Times

Once he had experienced these "dark whirlwinds funnelling down" into the South African reedbed, Clare had then to settle for far more quotidian swallow encounters.

The Guardian - Books

In effect, each exciton spreads out over all possible paths simultaneously, and then funnels down through the most efficient route.That one of the weirdest effects in quantum physics should be relevant to one of life's most basic processes has spurred researchers to look for more examples, creating a burgeoning field called quantum biology.

The Economist

For Rangkhani's microhydro plant, part of the flow of the Kalung Khola was diverted via a series of concrete and stone channels built over the lush, hilly terrain, then funneled down to the powerhouse through a pipe called a penstock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "funnel down" to describe a process where information, resources, or influence is directed from a broader source to a more specific point.

Common error

Avoid using "funnel down" to describe processes that don't involve a directional flow. For example, don't use it to describe a general decline or reduction without a clear source and destination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "funnel down" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a directional movement or the process of directing something from a broader source to a specific point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a narrowed or focused flow. Ludwig examples showcases the function of the phrase as the government narrows the selection of candidates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "funnel down" is a phrasal verb used to describe the directional flow of something from a broader source to a specific point. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and notes its function in describing narrowed or focused flow. It finds application across various contexts, notably in news, media, and scientific domains. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately portrays a directional movement and avoids misuse in abstract scenarios. Alternatives such as ""channel into"" and ""direct inward"" may be more suitable depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

funnel inward

More specific to directing something towards the inner area.

channel inward

Focuses on the direction of the channeling process, specifically towards the interior.

channel into

Highlights the act of guiding something into a specific area.

direct inward

Highlights the act of directing something towards an inner point.

converge toward

Emphasizes the coming together aspect of directing multiple things to a single point.

converge inward

Emphasizes the merging aspect of directing multiple things toward an inner point.

narrow toward

Focuses on the reduction in scope or size as things are directed.

feed into

Implies a supply or contribution flowing into something else.

focus inward

Highlights the concentration of something towards an inner point.

drain into

Suggests a gradual emptying or flowing into a specific point.

FAQs

How can I use "funnel down" in a sentence?

You can use "funnel down" to describe the movement or direction of something from a broader source to a more specific point. For example, "The funding will "channel into" local projects."

What's an alternative to "funnel down"?

Alternatives to "funnel down" include "channel into", "direct inward", or "converge toward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "funnel down" in formal writing?

Yes, "funnel down" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing a directed flow or process. However, ensure the context is clear and the usage is precise.

How does the meaning of "funnel down" differ from "trickle down"?

"Funnel down" implies a directed and controlled flow from a specific source to a destination, whereas "trickle down" suggests a gradual and less controlled diffusion from the top to the bottom. The first is a more direct process, while the second has less governance.