may be narrowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be narrowed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about something that can be made more specific, concise, or limited (narrowed). For example: "The topic for the research paper may be narrowed to the effects of modern technology on global health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It may be narrowed to limit the powers of religious arbitrators, excluding such sensitive issues as child support, alimony and access to children in cases of divorce.

The New York Times

In some persons with sleep apnea syndrome, portions of the larynx and pharynx may be narrowed by fat deposits or by enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which increase the likelihood of obstruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In coarctation of the aorta, the aorta may be narrowed just below the point where the arteries supplying the upper part of the body emerge, thus increasing blood pressure in the upper half of the body and reducing pressure in the lower half of the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With Clever Sense, however, that window may be narrowed.

TechCrunch

Thus the serotypes of group I may be narrowed down to adw2 or ayw2.

Plosone

In these cases, the breadth of the modeled ecological niche may be narrowed artificially by inclusion of factors that do not in actuality limit the species' establishment [23].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The computer literacy gap between children and their grandparents may be narrowing.

The New York Times

The gender gap may be narrowing in some sectors, but it is a tortuously slow process.

The Guardian

Mr Peña's lead may be narrowing, but time is running out faster.

The Economist

And where the absolute gap is widening in developing countries, the life-satisfaction gap may be narrowing.

The Guardian

Canada may be narrowing the door for immigrants, but it is not about to slam it shut.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be narrowed" when discussing processes, options, or ranges that can become more specific or limited as new information becomes available.

Common error

Avoid using "may be narrowed" excessively in formal writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "can be limited" or "could be refined" to maintain a professional tone and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be narrowed" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses a possibility that something is subjected to the action of becoming more specific or limited. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be narrowed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction to indicate a possibility of something becoming more specific or limited. As Ludwig AI confirms, this modal passive construction finds application across diverse fields, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While suitable for neutral registers, writers should vary their language to avoid monotony. Consider alternatives like "may be limited" or "may be refined" to enhance clarity and maintain engagement in written communication. It is commonly used across scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be limited

Focuses on the restriction aspect rather than the process of becoming more specific.

may be reduced

Emphasizes a decrease in quantity or scope.

may be constrained

Highlights external forces restricting the scope.

may be refined

Suggests improvement through specification, not necessarily reduction.

may be curtailed

Implies a sudden or premature end or reduction.

may be circumscribed

Focuses on setting boundaries or limits.

may be diminished

Highlights a decrease in importance or effectiveness.

may be abbreviated

Emphasizes making something shorter, particularly in length.

may be abridged

Suggests condensing a text or other work.

may be compressed

Highlights the process of reducing the size or volume.

FAQs

How can I use "may be narrowed" in a sentence?

You can use "may be narrowed" to describe a scope or set of options that is being made more specific. For example, "The list of potential candidates may be narrowed after the first round of interviews".

What phrases are similar to "may be narrowed"?

Alternatives to "may be narrowed" include "may be limited", "may be reduced", or "may be constrained", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "may be narrowed"?

It's appropriate when discussing a potential reduction or specification of something, indicating a possibility rather than a certainty. For example, “The focus of the investigation may be narrowed as new evidence emerges”.

What is the difference between "may be narrowed" and "will be narrowed"?

"May be narrowed" suggests a possibility, while "will be narrowed" implies a definite future action. Use "may" when the outcome is uncertain and "will" when it's a planned or highly probable event.