has been narrowed

USAGE SUMMARY

"has been narrowed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that was broad or wide, but has since become more limited. For example, "In recent years, the gap between the wealthiest and poorest members of society has been narrowed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither Broadway nor Park Avenue has been narrowed or widened.

The New York Times

To slow traffic, the road has been narrowed to two lanes from four.

The New York Times

But though the gap has been narrowed, it is still present.

The Economist

It has been narrowed by a stronger performance in the developed world too.

Independent

Another — those who will be held without trials — has been narrowed to 48.

The New York Times

For too long, innovation has been narrowed to fit patent holders' argument for sacrosanct property rights.

The New York Times

Mr. Rabin emerged from the talks yesterday remarking: "I cannot say the gap has been narrowed.

The New York Times

The review, which has been narrowed to nine finalists, is expected to conclude later this month.

The New York Times

But, Ebersol said, the definition of a struggle has been narrowed.

The New York Times - Sports

Albany Street has been narrowed to one lane from Portland Street to the Albany Street Garage (N4).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Political space has been narrowed to "corner rallies," Skype video appearances, ads on TV screens or meetings on social media.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been narrowed", ensure the context clearly identifies what has been reduced in scope, size, or intensity. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has been narrowed" in contexts where the subject of reduction isn't clearly defined. Be specific to prevent confusion and maintain clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been narrowed" functions as a passive construction of the verb 'narrow', indicating that something has undergone a reduction in scope, extent, or range. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is both grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been narrowed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, indicating a reduction in scope or extent. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific publications. It's crucial to ensure that the subject undergoing the narrowing is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "has been reduced" or "has been limited". The register remains largely neutral, making it appropriate for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been reduced

Directly states that something has been made smaller or less.

has been limited

Highlights the imposition of restrictions or boundaries.

has diminished

Focuses on the reduction in size or importance.

has become restricted

Emphasizes the process of becoming limited.

has contracted

Emphasizes a shrinking or reduction in size or extent.

has decreased

Highlights a reduction in quantity or degree.

has been curtailed

Implies a sudden or forceful reduction.

has shrunk

Indicates a reduction in size, often suddenly or unexpectedly.

has lessened

Suggests a decrease in intensity or severity.

has abated

Suggests a reduction in intensity or force, often gradually.

FAQs

How can I use "has been narrowed" in a sentence?

Use "has been narrowed" to indicate that something's scope, range, or extent has been reduced. For example, "The focus of the investigation "has been narrowed" to financial irregularities".

What are some alternatives to "has been narrowed"?

You can use alternatives such as "has been reduced", "has been limited", or "has diminished" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the scope was narrowed" instead of "the scope has been narrowed"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the scope "was narrowed"" typically refers to a completed action in the past, while "the scope "has been narrowed"" implies a past action with present relevance or continuation.

What's the difference between "has been narrowed" and "has been refined"?

"Has been narrowed" implies a reduction in scope or extent, while "has been refined" suggests improvement through the removal of impurities or unwanted elements, leading to greater precision or clarity.