narrow the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrow the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the process of making a problem more specific or making it more manageable. For example, "We need to narrow the problem so we can find a solution quickly".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A small gaggle of Pi 2 users started taking pictures of their unprotected boards with a variety of cameras and cameraphones, quickly narrowing the problem down to the brighter Xenon flashes – LED flashes common on smartphones didn't cause the bug.

The Guardian - Tech

When all medical causes have been ruled out or resolved and you've narrowed the problem down to an issue of obsessive behavioral licking, treatment should be focused on stress reduction and environmental enrichment.

Huffington Post

Since you've narrowed the problem down enough to know it's not a dead battery or no gas, you look in the manual for where the problem actually is: starting the car.

WikiHow

Another update claimed to narrow down the problem to touching the lower left side of the phone.

The New York Times - Tech

Help your child narrow down the problem from the "everything" that is wrong, and identify the one thing that's really feeling daunting.

Huffington Post

"To have a strategy that doesn't account for the humanitarian crisis, for the politics of the destiny of these Sunni populations, for the context in which ISIS has captured this territory, but simply focusses on ISIS as if you could narrow the war to simply the problem of containing or decapitating ISIS is just, to me, a misreading of what the war is about and where it's likely to lead," Coll says.

The New Yorker

Although this limitation might narrow the application range, this problem could be improved by further progress of our process with optimal infiltration conditions.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Microsoft has an excellent opportunity to claim back some share of the mobile market, but it needs to work hard to crush the problems and narrow the app gap.

The Guardian - Tech

It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind The problem, as Mr. Drudge gleefully pointed out, is that Shakespeare didn't write it.

The New York Times

Narrowing down the problem to a local context also provides a better opportunity for evaluation efforts to assess what works best for whom, in what conditions, and how.

Crime Science

We narrowed down the problem – it was affecting only those of us on Macs with the Leopard operating system (not the brand new Snow Leopard, which would make more sense).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When dealing with a multifaceted issue, use "narrow the problem" to delineate the specific aspect you intend to address, which will clarify the scope of your analysis or proposed solution.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow the problem" as a pretext to ignore crucial elements of a complex issue. Ensure the refined problem statement remains representative of the broader challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow the problem" functions as a directive, typically used to refine a problem statement or to focus efforts on a specific aspect of a broader issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and its usage is consistent with the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "narrow the problem" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to encourage the refinement or focusing of a problem statement. Although Ludwig AI's data currently indicates a lack of direct examples, the phrase's meaning remains clear and its usage appropriate in diverse contexts. This suggests its primary function is to guide focused analysis or problem-solving, facilitating more efficient outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the problem

Implies making the problem smaller in scope or impact, focusing on a more manageable part.

alleviate the problem

Focuses on making the problem less severe or burdensome.

define the problem more precisely

Emphasizes clarifying the definition of the problem to avoid ambiguity.

focus the problem statement

Directs attention to refining the wording and scope of the problem itself.

limit the scope of the problem

Highlights setting boundaries around what aspects of the problem are considered.

refine the problem definition

Implies improving the accuracy and detail of the problem's description.

pinpoint the crux of the problem

Suggests identifying the most critical or essential element of the problem.

get to the heart of the problem

Focuses on understanding the fundamental or core aspects of the problem.

address the core issue

Shifts the emphasis toward dealing with the most important underlying cause.

identify the key aspect of the problem

Highlights selecting which part of the problem to focus on.

FAQs

How can I use "narrow the problem" effectively in a research paper?

Use "narrow the problem" to define the specific research question you are addressing. It helps to focus your research and provides a clear boundary for your investigation. For example, instead of studying climate change, you might "narrow the problem" to the effects of rising sea levels on coastal communities.

What are some alternative phrases for "narrow the problem"?

You can use alternatives like "reduce the problem", "focus the problem statement", or "limit the scope of the problem" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to "narrow the problem" before attempting a solution?

While not always mandatory, narrowing a problem is often beneficial. It allows for more targeted solutions and efficient resource allocation. However, it's crucial to consider the broader context and potential interdependencies.

How does "narrow the problem" differ from "solve the problem"?

"Narrow the problem" refers to defining the scope and specific aspect of an issue, whereas "solve the problem" implies finding a solution. Narrowing the problem is often a preliminary step towards effectively finding and implementing a solution.