narrowing the scope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrowing the scope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of limiting or focusing the range of a topic, project, or research area. Example: "In order to make our research more manageable, we will be narrowing the scope to focus on urban development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One, known as the Guardian Council, approves all candidates for office, narrowing the scope of elections.

The New York Times

Narrowing the scope of physicians' malpractice liability is far more likely to achieve this result.

Harvard University

But the latest draft excised "at a minimum," thus narrowing the scope.

The New York Times

In addition to the one-month extension, the subcommittee is narrowing the scope of its request.

The New York Times

The students faced their own version of the problem: narrowing the scope of their research into several vast fields.

Columbia University

Perhaps part of the challenge in narrowing the scope of TUIs begins with the first word of the acronym.

University of California, Berkeley

At the same time, I'd recommend narrowing the scope of required insurance to focus on catastrophic expenses.

The New York Times

If this is indeed the case, it means that there is a real danger of narrowing the scope of funding beyond what was intended by parliament".

The Guardian

"We fight many of these requests, pushing back when we find legal deficiencies and narrowing the scope of overly broad or vague requests," Stretch said.

The Guardian - Tech

If anything, by speeding up the process and narrowing the scope of the Boundary Commission, they will lead to less interference.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is also likely to stop people side-stepping the tax altogether by narrowing the scope for giving assets away early.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "narrowing the scope" of your research question is crucial for a focused and impactful analysis. A well-defined scope allows for a more in-depth exploration and stronger arguments.

Common error

Failing to adequately "narrow the scope" at the outset can lead to scope creep, where the project's objectives expand uncontrollably, resulting in missed deadlines and diluted outcomes. Always define clear boundaries at the beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrowing the scope" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or verbal noun. It describes the action of limiting or reducing the extent of something, as validated by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrowing the scope" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of limiting or refining the extent of a topic, project, or area of focus. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, it is frequently used in news, academia, and science contexts. To use it effectively, define clear boundaries at the outset to avoid scope creep. Alternatives such as "limiting the extent" or "refining the focus" can be used depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limiting the extent

Focuses on reducing the range or reach of something.

restricting the boundaries

Emphasizes setting clear limits to a subject or area.

refining the focus

Highlights the act of making the central point clearer and more precise.

specifying the parameters

Stresses the act of defining the exact conditions or limits.

defining the limits

Concentrates on establishing the precise edges or confines.

tightening the parameters

Indicates a more stringent application of limits.

reducing the breadth

Highlights diminishing the width or range of a topic.

honing the subject

Suggests sharpening or refining the topic at hand.

curtailing the extent

Emphasizes reducing the reach or scale, often implying a prior excess.

condensing the subject matter

Focuses on shortening or reducing the material covered.

FAQs

How can I use "narrowing the scope" in a sentence?

"Narrowing the scope" is used to describe the process of limiting the extent of something. For instance: "By "limiting the scope" of the project, we were able to finish it on time."

What are some alternatives to "narrowing the scope"?

Alternatives include "limiting the extent", "restricting the boundaries", or "refining the focus". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Why is "narrowing the scope" important in research?

"Narrowing the scope" is important in research because it helps to "define the research question" more precisely, making the study more manageable and the findings more focused. It ensures a more in-depth analysis and stronger conclusions.

What happens if I don't "narrow the scope" of a project?

If you don't "narrow the scope", you risk scope creep, where the project's goals become too broad and unmanageable. This can lead to delays, cost overruns, and a less effective final result. Defining clear boundaries is essential.