narrow the focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow the focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to concentrate on a specific aspect or detail of a broader topic or issue. Example: "To improve our marketing strategy, we need to narrow the focus on our target audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Narrow the focus to pure mobile advertising and Twitter shouts louder.

The Guardian - Tech

We would narrow the focus as part of making it sharper and less scattergun".

The Guardian

If your date won't leave, narrow the focus to Harry Styles.

The New Yorker

Write these three categories on the board, and group similar topics together to narrow the focus.

The New York Times

But narrow the focus and pockets of progress can be found.

The Guardian

Mr. Bakaly's defense lawyer, Michele A. Roberts, tried to narrow the focus of the case in her closing argument.

The New York Times

If your date still won't leave, narrow the focus to the suit Harry Styles wore to the A.M.A.s.

The New Yorker

He said he hoped the theory would narrow the focus for other scholars to find documents connected to the loan.

The New York Times - Arts

In creating an exhibition about Roosevelt, though, the museum decided to narrow the focus to his conservation efforts.

The New York Times - Arts

When Mr. Allen decided last year to narrow the focus of the research laboratory to support his cable and broadband commercial investments, Mr. Liddle chose to resign.

The New York Times

However, Mr. Webner added that he may narrow the focus of that "You're Fired" trademark filing to casino games, for which the rights were not contested.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ask yourself: "What is the core issue?" Identifying this will help you "narrow the focus" and avoid unnecessary tangents.

Common error

Avoid making the focus so narrow that you exclude relevant information or context. A too-specific focus can distort the overall picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow the focus" functions as a directive, often used to suggest or instruct a refinement of attention or scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard and usable phrase. The numerous examples in Ludwig illustrate its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrow the focus" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to advocate for increased specificity and targeted attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely applicable and understood. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, it serves to streamline discussions, research, and strategic planning. Alternatives include "refine the focus" and "sharpen the focus". Effective use involves identifying core issues while avoiding an overly restrictive viewpoint. By understanding its function and purpose, one can effectively employ "narrow the focus" to enhance clarity and productivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refine the focus

Changes the verb to "refine", suggesting a more gradual and precise adjustment of the focus.

sharpen the focus

Uses "sharpen" to imply making the focus clearer and more distinct.

limit the scope

Replaces "focus" with "scope", emphasizing the boundaries of the topic.

tighten the scope

Uses "tighten" implying constricting the area of interest.

restrict the attention

Shifts the focus from the topic itself to the attention given to it.

hone in on

Uses a phrasal verb to convey the idea of targeting something precisely.

zero in on

Similar to "hone in on", emphasizing a precise and direct targeting.

concentrate efforts

Focuses on directing effort toward a specific goal or area.

specify the subject

Highlights the act of making the subject more specific and well-defined.

streamline the investigation

Suggests making a specific investigation more efficient by reducing its scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow the focus" when you want to concentrate on a specific aspect or detail of a broader topic or issue. For example: "To improve our marketing strategy, we need to "narrow the focus" on our target audience."

What can I say instead of "narrow the focus"?

You can use alternatives like "refine the focus", "sharpen the focus", or "limit the scope" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "narrow the focus" of a discussion?

It's appropriate to "narrow the focus" when a discussion becomes too broad or unfocused, making it difficult to address specific issues or achieve clear outcomes. This helps to streamline the conversation and ensure relevant details are at the forefront.

What's the difference between "narrow the focus" and "broaden the scope"?

"Narrow the focus" means to concentrate on specific aspects of a topic, while "broaden the scope" means to expand the range of topics or issues being considered. These are opposite actions depending on whether you want to be more specific or more general.