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narrow down

to reduce a range of options

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to reduce the number of possibilities or options by eliminating some

2. (verb) to become more specific or limited in focus or scope

Examples

• 1. We narrowed down the list of candidates from 20 to 5 people.
• 2. The investigation narrowed down to two main suspects.

How to use narrow down

Narrow down is a phrasal verb commonly used in both academic and everyday contexts when discussing the process of eliminating choices or refining scope. It suggests a gradual, systematic reduction rather than an abrupt elimination. The phrase often implies moving from a broader set of items or ideas toward a more specific subset.

Common phrases

• narrow down the options
• narrow down the search
• narrow down to
• narrow down the possibilities
• narrow down the field

Synonyms

whittle down · pare down · limit · constrain · focus

Opposites

broaden · expand · widen

Word family

narrow (adjective/verb/noun) · narrowly (adverb) · narrowness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes omit the particle 'down,' using only 'narrow' instead; however, 'narrow down' is the standard phrasal verb form in this meaning, whereas 'narrow' alone typically means to make physically narrower or to become narrower in width.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

look up to, make out, make up, opt for, pass out, pay off

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained