What does the phrasal verb “narrow down” mean?

What are the definitions of “narrow down”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Remove 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.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “narrow down”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb narrow down is to reduce the number of choices or options, making it easier to make a decision. It is often used when talking about making decisions or selecting the best option from a list.

What are the different verb forms of “narrow down”?

Root Verb	narrow down
Third Person Singular Present	narrows down
Present Participle	narrowing down
Simple Past	narrowed down
Past Participle	narrowed 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.

Example

We are narrowing down the list of applicants for the job.

Example

They narrowed down the list of candidates to the top three.

Example

The options have been narrowed down to the most suitable ones.

What kind of phrasal verb is “narrow down”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“narrow down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I narrowed down my list of universities to apply to.

Example

She narrowed the choices down by considering her preferences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“narrow down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I narrowed down my list of universities to apply to.

Example

She narrowed the choices down by considering her preferences.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “narrow down”?

Narrow down the search

Focus on specific criteria or factors to find something or someone more easily.

Example

The police narrowed down the search for the missing person by concentrating on the last known location.

Narrow down the field

Reduce the number of competitors or candidates in a competition or selection process.

Example

The audition process narrowed down the field of contestants for the talent show.

Narrow down the options

Eliminate less suitable or less desirable choices to make a decision easier.

Example

By considering our budget, we narrowed down the options for our new car.

Good things to know

Does “narrow down” have an informal or formal tone?

Narrow down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “narrow down”?

Synonyms

• reduce
• limit
• trim
• refine
• focus
• concentrate
• restrict
• cut down

Antonyms

• expand
• increase
• broaden
• enlarge
• widen
• extend