ˈnæroʊ daʊn
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- narrow
- Particle:
- down
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "narrow down" mean?
To reduce the number of options to a smaller set.
Examples
- We've narrowed down the candidates to three finalists.
- Can you narrow down the search to last year?
- Police have narrowed down the list of suspects.
- I've narrowed it down to two choices.
How to use it
Very common in decision-making and research contexts.
Word order
Can be separated: 'narrow the options down' or 'narrow down the options'.
Similar expressions
reduce
limit
whittle down
refine
Opposites
broaden
expand
widen
Related phrasal verbs
- turn down
To reduce the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- bring down
To cause something to fall or collapse
- go down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- come down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- break down
To stop working or functioning (machines, vehicles)
- put down
To place something on a surface
Use it in a practice answer
Try "narrow down" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.