narrows it down

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrows it down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when discussing the process of eliminating choices or options, resulting in a more focused set of criteria. For example, "We asked several questions to narrow it down to the most likely candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That narrows it down!

TechCrunch

If you know the list is alphabetical, and that the first name is X letters long, that narrows it down considerably.

TechCrunch

It may not sound too serious to have someone watching a Wi-Fi network know a person's location — they're there on the network, obviously, which narrows it down considerably.

TechCrunch

"That narrows it down to about four".

The New York Times

That narrows it down to tens of thousands of people, some detectives acknowledged.

The New York Times

So that narrows it down to either Amy Adams or Isla Fisher.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Ask them what row its in until you narrow it down to one card.

WikiHow

Let's narrow it down a bit.

The Economist

Does that narrow it down?

The New York Times

That narrowed it down to six copters.

The New York Times

That narrowed it down to eight people".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying what criteria are used to "narrow" the options. For example, instead of saying "That narrows it down", say "That narrows it down by considering only projects completed in the last year".

Common error

Avoid using "narrows it down" without specifying what 'it' refers to. For example, saying "The new information narrows it down" is less effective than "The new information narrows the suspect list down to three individuals".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "narrows it down" functions to indicate a reduction in the scope or number of possibilities. It implies that a set of options has been reduced due to specific criteria or information. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "narrows it down" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a reduction in the number of possibilities or options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. Related phrases include "reduces the possibilities" and "limits the scope", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the criteria used for narrowing down the options and avoiding overuse without providing context. The neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduces the possibilities

Focuses on the reduction of potential options.

limits the scope

Emphasizes the restriction of the area under consideration.

refines the selection

Highlights the process of making a more precise choice.

focuses the search

Indicates a more targeted approach in finding something.

simplifies the choice

Suggests making the decision process easier by reducing options.

makes it more specific

Highlights increasing precision.

pinpoints the target

Emphasizes identifying the precise subject or goal.

zeroes in on

Implies a concentrated focus on a specific item or area.

distills the list

Suggests extracting the most relevant items from a larger group.

winnows the field

Implies separating desirable options from less desirable ones.

FAQs

How can I use "narrows it down" in a sentence?

You can use "narrows it down" to indicate that you have reduced the number of possibilities or options. For example, "Eliminating the outliers "narrows it down" to a few key factors".

What can I say instead of "narrows it down"?

You can use alternatives like "reduces the possibilities", "limits the scope", or "refines the selection" depending on the context.

Is "narrow it down" the same as "narrows it down"?

"Narrow it down" is the base form of the phrasal verb, typically used in imperative sentences or with auxiliary verbs. "Narrows it down" is the third-person singular present tense form. For example, "Let's narrow it down" versus "The evidence narrows it down".

What's the difference between "narrows it down" and "narrows down"?

"Narrows it down" is the correct form when "it" is the object being narrowed. "Narrows down" is used when the object follows the verb. For example, "The selection process narrows it down to five candidates" is correct, but you could also say "The selection process narrows down the list to five candidates".