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Phrasal verbs "drill down" vs "narrow down"

Differences between drill down and narrow down

Drill down usually means to investigate or analyze something in detail, often by breaking it down into smaller parts. Narrow down generally means to reduce the number of options or possibilities to a smaller, more specific set.

Meanings and Definitions: drill down vs narrow down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Drill down

  • 1Search through layers of information on a computer.

    I really had to DRILL DOWN to get the answers from the database.

Narrow down

  • 1Remove less important options to make it easier to choose.

    I am not sure which university to apply to, but I have NARROWED my list DOWN to three.

Usage Examples: drill down, narrow down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

drill down

Example

To find the exact data, we need to drill down into the system.

Example

She drills down into the database to find the required information.

narrow down

Example

I need to narrow down my list of potential vacation destinations.

Example

She narrows down her choices for dinner by reading the menu carefully.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drill down

dig deeper

To investigate or analyze something more thoroughly or extensively.

Example

We need to dig deeper into the data to identify the root cause of the problem.

break down

To analyze or examine something by dividing it into smaller parts or components.

Example

Let's break down the project into smaller tasks to make it more manageable.

get to the bottom of

To investigate or uncover the underlying cause or truth of something.

Example

The detective was determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious case.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Narrow down

whittle down

To reduce the number of options or choices to a smaller, more manageable set.

Example

We need to whittle down the list of candidates to the top three for the job opening.

filter out

To eliminate or remove unwanted or irrelevant options or information.

Example

We need to filter out the spam emails from our inbox to focus on the important ones.

pinpoint

To identify or locate something precisely or accurately.

Example

We need to pinpoint the exact location of the leak in the pipeline to fix it.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “drill”

Differences in drill down vs narrow down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: drill down or narrow down?

In daily conversation, people use narrow down more often than drill down. This is because narrow down is used in a variety of contexts, such as decision-making, problem-solving, and research. Drill down is less common and is mainly used in technical or business settings.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of drill down and narrow down

Drill down and narrow down are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, drill down may sound more technical or specialized, while narrow down is more versatile and can be used in various situations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of drill down and narrow down

The tone of drill down and narrow down can differ based on context. Drill down often carries a serious or analytical tone when related to investigating data or information, while narrow down typically has a practical and focused tone, especially when referring to making decisions or choices.

drill down & narrow down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Drill down

Synonyms

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