narrow focused

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrow focused" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that has a restricted scope or that is limited in its range of focus. For example, "The study was a narrowly focused research project that only considered the impact of one particular factor on the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The funding arena has become increasingly narrow, focused on issues like health or education.

The Guardian

Satellites, unlike most ground-based radio systems, can send and receive signals only through relatively narrow, focused radio waves.

The New York Times - Tech

The ruling, though, was deliberately narrow, focused more on one particular dismissal than on the scope of the ministerial exception.

The New York Times

The search for pre-Ashes series fault lines has been relentless on both sides, if at times a little narrow focused.

The Guardian - Sport

No: the suite of 2D Mario levels included in this narrow focused yet splendid game-maker are some of the company's best yet.

The Guardian - Tech

The scope of software process simulation applications ranges from narrow focused portions of the life cycle to longer-term product evolutionary models with broad organizational impacts.

Journal of Systems and Software

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Such a narrow focus seems perverse.

The Guardian - Books

Shoes seemed such a narrow focus".

The New York Times - Books

Schabas criticised the lead prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, for a narrow focus.

The Guardian

City's own reflections will have a narrow focus.

The Guardian - Sport

Or does a narrow focus mean a better executed dish?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrow focused", ensure that the context clearly justifies the limited scope. Explain why a broader perspective is not necessary or appropriate for the particular situation. This avoids the impression of being overly restrictive or missing important connections.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow focused" as a default descriptor. If the focus isn't genuinely restricted by design, opt for more general terms like "focused" or "specific". Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or artificially constrained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow focused" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that something (e.g., a study, a discussion, an approach) has a restricted or limited scope. This is confirmed by Ludwig, stating the term is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrow focused" serves as a compound adjective, indicating a deliberately restricted scope. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and commonly used term in written English. Its primary function is to specify the limited nature of an area of focus, setting boundaries and clarifying objectives. While the phrase appears across a range of contexts, it is most frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". To enhance clarity and avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "specifically focused" or "limited in scope". Remember, being excessively "narrow focused" can sometimes mean overlooking important details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically focused

Replaces "narrow" with "specifically", emphasizing the particularity of the focus.

particularly focused

Similar to "specifically focused", highlighting a distinct focus.

tightly focused

Emphasizes the intensity and precision of the focus.

limited in scope

Shifts from describing the focus to describing the extent or range.

concentrated

A more concise way of saying having a limited focus.

sharply focused

Implies clarity and precision in the focus.

laser-focused

Metaphorically suggests an extremely targeted and precise focus.

with a narrow scope

Rephrases the concept using "scope" instead of "focus".

restrictive focus

Highlights the limiting aspect of the focus.

singularly focused

Indicates a focus on one thing only.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow focused" to describe a specific area of study, a particular goal, or a defined perspective. For example, "The research had a "narrow focused" approach, examining only the effects of X on Y".

What are some alternatives to "narrow focused"?

Alternatives include "specifically focused", "tightly focused", or "limited in scope", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "narrow focused" always a positive attribute?

Not necessarily. While a focused approach can be efficient, being too "narrow focused" can sometimes mean overlooking important related factors or broader implications. The context determines whether it's beneficial or detrimental.

When is it better to use "focused" instead of "narrow focused"?

Use "focused" when you want to highlight the presence of a clear objective or direction, without necessarily implying restriction. Use "narrow focused" only when the limited scope is a deliberate and defining characteristic.