narrow in scope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow in scope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a limited range or focus, often in discussions about projects, research, or policies. Example: "The study was narrow in scope, focusing only on urban areas and excluding rural populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was spunky, if narrow in scope.

The New York Times - Arts

Embargoes may be broad or narrow in scope.

Encyclopedia Britannica

C. K. Williams's poems are broad in scale and narrow in scope.

The New York Times

They said they feared that Tuesday's drill would be too narrow in scope.

The New York Times

They are too early, too careful, each too narrow in scope for that.

The Guardian

"This well-intentioned amendment is too narrow in scope," he said.

The New York Times

It is a power that, before this government came into office, had been relatively narrow in scope and little-used.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet it is too narrow in scope to do justice to the medieval world it wants to resurrect.

The Guardian - Arts

In Spain, by contrast, Mr. Zapatero had to defend the Constitution against claims that it is too narrow in scope.

The New York Times

The historical narrative of digital architecture that has developed in the past two decades has been narrow in scope.

Harvard University

Most papers and reviews on this topic have been narrow in scope and have not examined multiple spatial scales.

Biological Conservation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research or analysis, use "narrow in scope" to clearly indicate that the investigation is intentionally focused on a specific aspect or area, rather than a broad overview.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow in scope" when you actually mean incomplete or insufficient. Make sure the limited scope is a deliberate choice, not an oversight. If scope needs extension use instead phrases like "widen the scope".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow in scope" functions as an adjectival phrase. It typically modifies a noun, describing the extent or range of something, such as a project, study, or policy. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "narrow in scope" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase to describe something with a restricted range or focus. It is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academic discussions. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly valid in written English. When using this phrase, ensure that the limited scope is intentional and clearly defined. Alternatives like ""limited in scope"" or "restricted in coverage" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and to use the phrase when the limited focus is a deliberate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restricted in coverage

Emphasizes limitations in how much or what is included, often used in the context of reporting or analysis.

limited in extent

Focuses on the restricted reach or range, emphasizing spatial or quantitative limitations.

confined in range

Stresses the limited variability or breadth of something, indicating a tight set of parameters.

circumscribed in application

Highlights restrictions on how something can be used or applied, suggesting boundaries are well-defined.

defined narrowly

Focuses on the precision and specificity of a definition, suggesting it is intentionally limited.

specialized in focus

Highlights the degree to which something is tailored to a specific area or topic, limiting its broader relevance.

contracted in breadth

Implies a reduction or shrinking of the overall width or scope of something.

localized in effect

Indicates that the impact or influence of something is restricted to a particular area or group.

particular in nature

Suggests that something is specific and not general, limiting its applicability to certain situations.

exclusive in reach

Implies that something is deliberately limited to a select audience or area, excluding others.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow in scope" to describe something with a limited range or focus. For example, "The research was "limited in scope", concentrating only on short-term effects."

What's the difference between "narrow in scope" and ""limited in scope""?

While both phrases are similar, "narrow in scope" often implies an intentional restriction for specific purposes, whereas ""limited in scope"" can also suggest a constraint due to resources or other factors. They are often interchangeable.

What are some alternatives to "narrow in scope"?

Alternatives include "restricted in scope", "limited in extent", or "specialized in focus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "too narrow in scope"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The adverb "too" simply intensifies the adjective phrase, indicating that the scope is excessively restricted. An example is "The investigation was "too limited" to draw meaningful conclusions".