narrowly focused on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrowly focused on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something that has been studied or examined with great attention to detail and a single purpose. For example, "The team has been narrowly focused on developing a new type of rechargeable battery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're not as narrowly focused on one career option".

The New York Times

This may not mean always being narrowly focused on one task; plenty of social situations need "wide-angle" attention instead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No, House conservatives are narrowly focused on achieving one impossible thing: the end of health care reform.

The New York Times

The outcry, which has already begun to fade, has often narrowly focused on this one criminal and his inept judge.

Huffington Post

As much as the administration needs a jobs strategy, one narrowly focused on manufacturing is unlikely to deliver.

The New York Times

Aren't they too narrowly focused on vocational training?

The Guardian

Just about every sketch was narrowly focused on Quebec politics.

The New York Times

Nudges can be too narrowly focused on promoting specific behaviors.

Harvard Business Review

We are not narrowly focused on oil and natural gas alone.

The New York Times

Sara Lee investors have welcomed its breakup, while Hershey is narrowly focused on confectionery.

The New York Times

The sale leaves Mail.ru narrowly focused on Internet services in the former Soviet Union.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "narrowly focused on" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and limited scope of attention or effort. It's effective for highlighting efficiency or specialization in a particular area.

Common error

Avoid using "narrowly focused on" when describing general interests or broad objectives. This phrase works best when there's a clear restriction in scope, not just a preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrowly focused on" functions as a prepositional phrase typically used as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the limited scope or concentration of attention on a specific subject, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrowly focused on" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something with a specific, limited scope. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral communication. When using "narrowly focused on", remember to emphasize the deliberate restriction in scope, and not just general interests. Consider alternatives like "specifically aimed at" or "primarily centered on" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laser-focused on

Uses a metaphor to convey extreme focus and precision, suggesting a modern or technical context.

closely targeted at

Focuses on the intended recipient or target of the attention, differing from a general area of focus.

specifically aimed at

Emphasizes the intention or goal of the focus, suggesting a deliberate targeting strategy.

with a narrow scope on

Highlights the limited range or breadth of the focus, emphasizing the restriction.

particularly concerned with

Highlights a sense of worry or interest in a specific issue.

primarily centered on

Indicates the main point around which something revolves, suggesting a central theme.

concentrated intently on

Suggests intense mental effort and attention directed towards a single point.

chiefly devoted to

Suggests dedication and commitment to a particular purpose or subject.

exclusively dedicated to

Implies a complete and undivided attention, allowing for no other considerations.

singularly obsessed with

Conveys an intense and potentially unhealthy level of focus, often bordering on compulsion.

FAQs

How can I use "narrowly focused on" in a sentence?

You can use "narrowly focused on" to describe something that is specifically and intently directed towards a particular objective or subject. For example, "The research was "narrowly focused on" the effects of climate change on coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "narrowly focused on"?

Alternatives to "narrowly focused on" include phrases like "closely targeted at", "specifically aimed at", or "primarily centered on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "narrowly focused on" instead of "broadly focused on"?

"Narrowly focused on" is appropriate when the subject has a limited scope and specific goals, while "broadly focused on" is suitable when the subject encompasses a wide range of issues or areas of interest. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight specialization or generality.

Is "narrowly focused on" formal or informal language?

"Narrowly focused on" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Although it appears frequently in academic and news sources, its meaning is readily understood in general conversation as well.