narrow to

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrow to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when something is becoming increasingly specific or defined. For example, "The focus of the research paper narrowed to the outcomes of the policy change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The restroom is too narrow to accommodate a wheelchair.

The New York Times - Food

Analysts had expected the deficit to narrow to $44.5 billion.

The New York Times

Past the entry, the dimensions narrow to submarine scale.

The New Yorker

Some were too narrow to sit down in.

The Guardian

Golf club grips come in multiple sizes, from very narrow to very thick.

The New York Times

Preliminary statistics for 2011 show that the gap has continued to narrow to 3.7 years.

The New York Times - Health

As components continue to get smaller, aluminium tracks will become too narrow to conduct enough electricity.

The Economist

But the photo was too narrow to fit the standard postcard size.

The New York Times

The perspectives range from narrow to broad according to style, period and nationality.

The New York Times - Arts

By itself, the bill is too small and narrow to make much of a difference.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The guts of most modern chelicerates are too narrow to take solid food.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "narrow to" when you want to emphasize a progressive focusing or refinement of a topic, range, or set of possibilities. For instance, "The investigation narrowed to three suspects."

Common error

Avoid using "narrow to" with subjects that are already fixed or static. It's more appropriate for processes or situations that are evolving, rather than describing a permanent state. For example, instead of saying "This box is narrow to fit the object," consider "This box is too narrow to fit the object" or simply "This box is narrow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of reduction, limitation, or focusing. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, showcasing its versatility in expressing the act of becoming more specific or confined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "narrow to" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe the act of becoming more specific or limited in scope. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase has a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using "narrow to", ensure that the subject is something that can logically undergo a reduction or focusing process. Consider alternatives such as "restrict to" or "limit to" to diversify your writing. By understanding the nuances of "narrow to", you can effectively convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrict to

Indicates confinement or limitation to a specific area or subject.

limit to

Suggests setting a specific upper boundary or scope.

reduce to

Implies a decrease in size, amount, or intensity.

diminish to

Describes a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

converge to

Suggests multiple elements coming together to form a single point or value.

boil down to

Indicates simplifying a complex issue to its core essence.

focus on

Suggests concentrating attention or effort on a specific area.

zero in on

Suggests becoming extremely specific.

pinpoint to

Indicates precisely identifying or locating something.

channel to

Suggests focusing resources or efforts on a specific target or direction.

FAQs

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

Use "narrow to" to indicate a reduction in scope or focus. For example, "The list of possible solutions narrowed to just a few promising options."

What are some alternatives to "narrow to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "restrict to", "limit to", or "reduce to".

Is it correct to say "narrowed down to" instead of "narrow to"?

While "narrowed down to" is a common phrase, "narrow to" can be more concise and appropriate depending on the context. "Narrowed down to" implies a more deliberate filtering process, while "narrow to" simply indicates a reduction in scope.

What's the difference between "narrow to" and "broaden to"?

"Narrow to" implies a reduction in scope or focus, whereas "broaden to" suggests an expansion. For example, "The investigation narrowed to one key suspect" versus "The investigation broadened to include several new leads".