narrow down

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narrow down

I cannot narrow down the list of suspects without more evidence.

Definition

  1. Verb (transitive):

    • To reduce the number of possibilities or options; to make something more specific or limited.
    • To define or identify something more clearly and precisely.

  2. Verb (intransitive):

    • To become more focused or limited in scope.
Usage
  • Transitive use: The verb is followed by a direct object (what is being made more specific).
    • You need to narrow down your topic before you start writing.
  • Intransitive use: The verb is used without a direct object, often with a subject like "choices," "search," or "focus."
    • The list of suspects began to narrow down after the new evidence was found.
Examples
  • Transitive:
    • The detective tried to narrow down the list of potential witnesses.
    • Can you narrow down the dates for your visit?
  • Intransitive:
    • Our options have narrowed down to just two.
    • The focus of the investigation has narrowed down significantly.
Advanced Usage
  • "to narrow something down to [something]": To reduce possibilities until only a specific thing or a small set remains.
    • We narrowed the candidates down to three finalists.
    • She narrowed her college choices down to two universities.
Variants and Related Words
  • Narrow (verb): To become or make less wide; to limit.
    • The road narrows ahead.
  • Narrowing (noun): The process of becoming narrower or more limited.
    • A narrowing of the gap between the two teams.
Synonyms
  • Limit: To set a restriction on.
  • Specify: To state or describe something clearly and precisely.
  • Pinpoint: To find or identify exactly.
  • Focus: To concentrate on a particular thing.
Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: 'Narrow down' is itself a phrasal verb. Other phrasal verbs with 'narrow' are less common.) - Narrow in on: To focus attention or aim directly at something. - The researchers are narrowing in on the cause of the problem.

Related Idioms
  • Boil down to: To reduce information or a situation to its most basic or important points (similar in concept to summarizing a result).
    • It all boils down to a lack of communication.
  • Whittle down: To gradually reduce the size or number of something (similar in meaning).
    • We need to whittle down this long list of ideas.
narrow down

I cannot narrow down the list of suspects without more evidence.

Verb
  1. become more focus on an area of activity or field of study
    • She specializes in Near Eastern history
  2. define clearly
    • I cannot narrow down the rules for this game

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