narrow down

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrow down" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to identify the specifics of something. Example: I need to narrow down my topic for my research paper.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You really have to narrow down your customer".

The New York Times - Magazine

to narrow down Rando's selection.

TechCrunch

Ok, maybe that one will be tougher to narrow down.

TechCrunch

It's hard to narrow down.

Huffington Post

I had to narrow down the suspects.

Huffington Post

3. "Narrow down your five-year plan".

Huffington Post

To narrow down the responsive region, we performed deletional analysis.

Cell Death and Disease

DPM was used to narrow down the locus of action.

Current Biology

to narrow down your search.

WikiHow

This will help narrow down the choices.

WikiHow

Pick by chance, or narrow down again.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrow down", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or made more specific. For example, "narrow down the list of candidates" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow down" without specifying what you are narrowing. Instead of saying "We need to narrow down", specify "We need to narrow down the scope of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow down" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, requiring an object. It signifies the action of reducing or refining something, as supported by Ludwig's AI and numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

26%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "narrow down" is a versatile and frequently used expression that means to reduce, refine, or make something more specific. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its prevalence across various sources, including Wiki, News & Media, and Science, indicates its suitability for both informal and formal contexts. When using "narrow down", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being reduced or refined to avoid vague or ambiguous statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whittle down

Implies a gradual reduction, often through elimination of less desirable options.

pare down

Suggests reducing something to its essential components, removing anything superfluous.

reduce

A more general term for making something smaller or less.

refine

Focuses on improving something by removing impurities or unwanted elements.

limit

Sets a boundary or restriction on something.

restrict

Imposes a stricter boundary or control.

focus

Directs attention to a specific area, excluding others.

specify

Makes something definite and precise.

pinpoint

Identifies something exactly and accurately.

condense

Puts something into a smaller space or shorter form.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow down" when you want to make a selection more specific or reduce the number of options. For instance, "Let's narrow down the choices to the top three candidates".

What are some alternatives to "narrow down"?

Alternatives include "whittle down", "pare down", or "refine", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "narrow down" or "limit" in a research context?

"Narrow down" is often used when refining a topic or scope, while "limit" is used when setting boundaries or restrictions. You might "narrow down" your research question but "limit" the sample size.

What's the difference between "narrow down" and "focus"?

"Narrow down" implies reducing or refining something, while "focus" suggests directing attention to a specific area. You can "narrow down" your options and then "focus" on the best one.