narrow in focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow in focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is limited or specific in its attention or scope. Example: "The research study was narrow in focus, examining only the effects of the drug on a specific demographic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

'Fidel' is more narrow in focus; I tried to get him angry this time".

The New York Times - Arts

But American and British editors deemed the work too narrow in focus, too downbeat.

The New York Times - Books

It's quite narrow in focus and we want a much broader-ranging resources review.

Independent

As a first-person account, the book initially seems narrow in focus, but it builds to an all-encompassing and blood-curdling indictment of patriarchal society.

The Guardian - Books

In a response to Peter Klingman, a historian who submitted the essay, Robert Schneider, the review's editor, wrote that the piece, "despite its intrinsic interest, is too narrow in focus for this publication".

The New York Times - Books

When expectations are high and narrow in focus, how are you supposed to unleash your creativity?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

At first glance, it seems as though the portal will be pretty similar to other popular social-networking outlets such as News Corp.'s MySpace, though the community will be proudly narrow-minded in focus, concentrating on soccer.

Forbes

The honeyed tone resembles Fischer-Dieskau's, yet it is narrower in focus, less robust.

The New Yorker

In Rampart, his first original screenplay to reach the screen, Ellroy is struggling with his own demons, and the result is forceful if somewhat blurred, and narrower in focus than Curtis Hanson's excellent film of Ellroy's LA Confidential.

The Guardian - Film

In contrast "Celebrating the Muse: Women in Picasso's Prints From 1905-1968," athehe Marlborough Gallery on West 57th Street, is considerably larger in size with 204 works but far narrower in focus.

The New York Times - Arts

You could see it in his face as he stood in Tahrir Square or on the Tripoli seafront: his head tilted slightly and nodding, his dark eyes narrowed in focus as he listened to some young revolutionary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrow in focus", ensure the context clearly defines what the focus is and why it is limited. This will help avoid ambiguity and strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid immediately broadening the scope after stating that something is "narrow in focus". This can create confusion for the reader. Clearly establish the limited scope before expanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow in focus" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe its limited scope or specific area of attention. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in academic, news, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrow in focus" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something with a limited scope. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and used in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific research. Its purpose is to precisely define boundaries. When using "narrow in focus", ensure to define what that focus is for clarity. While alternatives like "limited in scope" exist, "narrow in focus" specifically emphasizes the attentional aspect of the limitation. Therefore, clarity and context are the keys to using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited in scope

Focuses on the extent of coverage rather than the point of attention.

specific in attention

Highlights the particularity of the attention given.

confined in range

Emphasizes the restricted boundaries of the subject.

restricted in scope

Similar to 'limited in scope', but with a stronger sense of constraint.

particular in emphasis

Indicates a distinct emphasis on a specific detail.

selective in coverage

Implies a deliberate choice of what is included.

finite in extent

Stresses the limited boundaries or reach.

circumscribed in approach

Highlights the limitations of the method used.

specialized in domain

Focuses on a specific area of expertise or knowledge.

targeted in objective

Highlights the presence of specific targets or aims.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow in focus" to describe a subject, study, or approach that has a limited scope. For example: "The research study was narrow in focus, examining only the effects of the drug on a specific demographic."

What are some alternatives to "narrow in focus"?

You can use alternatives like "limited in scope", "specific in attention", or "confined in range" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "narrow in focus"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is intentionally limited or specific, rather than broad or general. It's useful for clarifying the boundaries of a topic or discussion.

What is the difference between "narrow in focus" and "broad in scope"?

"Narrow in focus" indicates a limited or specific perspective, while "broad in scope" suggests a comprehensive or wide-ranging perspective. They are antonyms, used to describe opposite ends of a spectrum.