narrowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "narrowed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb that means "to reduce in size, scope, or extent". You can use it in a variety of contexts, usually when referring to a decrease in size, scope, or extent. For example, you could say "The investigation narrowed down the suspects to three individuals".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But eight weeks since declaring the decline US social mobility "the defining challenge of our time", the contours of his policy response emerging in pre-speech briefings from officials suggest the president has dramatically narrowed his ambitions for how to tackle it.

The Guardian

The driver turned to face him and Bond's eyes narrowed.

The Guardian - Travel

"But in the grand scheme of things, I think the gap has narrowed now.

The New York Times - Sports

Public sector workers still take off more sick days than private sector workers, but the gap between the two sectors has narrowed over the past 20 years, while a survey last autumn by the Chartered Institute of Personnel found that almost 40% of public sector staff had seen an increase in people feeling they had to go into work even though they were genuinely ill.

The Guardian

Differences have narrowed considerably over the last nine months, but as the number of outstanding issues has shrunk, the differences over them have sharpened.

The Guardian

For much of the 20th century, the income gap in Britain narrowed steadily as we gradually became a more equal society.

The Guardian - Business

Talavera and Ng narrowed down the suggestions and put ideas to a vote.

The Guardian

Crucially, however, the gap between the two has narrowed since the leaders' debates.

The Guardian

While "expert analysis" of the video footage narrowed the possibilities down to cocaine, ecstasy or amphetamines, the precise drug could not be proved, Mr Barclay said.

The Guardian

Labour's lead over the Conservatives has narrowed to just one point according to the latest Opinium/Observer poll, while Ukip stands firm at near record levels.

The Guardian

For the financial year to March 30 , 2014 GMG reported revenues up by 7 per cent to £210 million, whilst operating losses narrowed by 27 per cent to £19.4 million – a figure more than covered by investment income.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrowed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or focused. For example, "The options narrowed after the initial screening."

Common error

Avoid using "narrowed" when the intention is to completely eliminate something rather than reduce its scope. Use a stronger term like "eliminated" or "removed" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "narrowed" is as the past participle of the verb "narrow". It is often used in the passive voice or as an adjective to describe something that has been reduced in size, scope, or extent. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrowed" functions primarily as the past participle of the verb "narrow", indicating a reduction in size, scope, or extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to consider the specific context to avoid misinterpretations, especially confusing it with complete elimination. By understanding its nuances and common usages, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning with precision and clarity. Alternatives like "limited", "reduced", and "specified" can also be considered depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited

Focuses on restricting the range or extent.

reduced

Emphasizes a decrease in quantity or size.

diminished

Highlights a gradual decrease or fading away.

contracted

Suggests a shrinking or drawing together.

restricted

Implies a setting of limits or boundaries.

specified

Highlights making something definite and precise.

defined

Emphasizes clarity and precision in outlining something.

focused

Suggests concentrating attention or effort.

refined

Implies improving or clarifying through small changes.

honed

Suggests perfecting or sharpening something, like a skill or argument.

FAQs

How can I use "narrowed" in a sentence?

You can use "narrowed" to indicate a reduction in scope or size, such as "The field of candidates was "narrowed" to three finalists" or "The search "narrowed down" the possibilities".

What are some alternatives to the word "narrowed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reduced", "limited", "restricted", or "specified".

Is it correct to say "the gap narrowed"?

Yes, "the gap narrowed" is a correct and common usage, often used to describe a decreasing difference between two things, such as "The gap between the two candidates "narrowed" significantly".

What is the difference between "narrowed" and "focused"?

"Narrowed" implies a reduction in scope or options, while "focused" suggests concentrating attention or effort on something specific. You might say "The investigation "narrowed" its scope to financial records" and "The team "focused" on improving efficiency".