narrow down

B1 neutral separable transitive

In simple words

To make a big list of choices smaller by getting rid of the ones you don't want.

Literal meaning: To make something physically narrower or less wide — the idiomatic leap is from physical width to the breadth of possibilities.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

very common

To reduce a large number of possibilities, options, or candidates to a smaller group.

"We've narrowed down the applicants to a shortlist of five."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

To identify a more precise cause, location, or explanation by eliminating other possibilities.

"Police have narrowed down the time of the incident to between 9 and 11 p.m."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Very common in decision-making, investigation, and research contexts. Frequently followed by 'to': 'we've narrowed it down to three candidates'. Works well in both formal and informal settings.

Commonly used with

options choices candidates list suspects search

Forms

Base

narrow down

I/you/we/they

3rd person

narrows down

he/she/it

Past simple

narrowed down

yesterday

Past participle

narrowed down

have + pp

-ing form

narrowing down

continuous

Understand "narrow down" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

whittle down reduce shortlist filter trim down cut down to

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "narrow down" on Looplines