scope
To assess or investigate something carefully in order to understand its extent, potential, or suitability. As a verb, it often involves examining a situation or location before taking further action.
Examples
3 of 5We should scope out the neighborhood before we decide to rent the apartment.
We should examine the area thoroughly before deciding to live there.
The consultants were hired to scope the requirements for the new digital infrastructure.
The experts were employed to define the specific needs for the new system.
I'm going to scope the party first to see if it's worth staying.
I will check out the party to see if it looks fun.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'telescope' or 'microscope'. These tools help you 'scope'—to see and assess things that are far away or very small.
Quick Quiz
The engineering team needs to ______ the site before they can start the construction.
Correct!
The correct answer is: scope
Examples
We should scope out the neighborhood before we decide to rent the apartment.
everydayWe should examine the area thoroughly before deciding to live there.
The consultants were hired to scope the requirements for the new digital infrastructure.
formalThe experts were employed to define the specific needs for the new system.
I'm going to scope the party first to see if it's worth staying.
informalI will check out the party to see if it looks fun.
Future studies should scope the environmental impact of urban expansion in this region.
academicUpcoming research needs to evaluate the ecological effects of city growth.
Before we sign the contract, we need to scope the project to avoid hidden costs.
businessWe must define the boundaries of the work to prevent unexpected expenses.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
scope out
to look at or examine something to get information
within the scope of
inside the range of subjects or actions covered
scope creep
when a project grows beyond its original goals (noun phrase)
Often Confused With
Scanning is a quick look for specific info, while scoping is a thorough assessment of extent or potential.
Usage Notes
While 'scope' is a common noun, as a verb it is frequently used with the particle 'out' in casual settings. In professional contexts, it is used alone to mean defining the limits of a project.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that 'scope' can be used as a verb and rely only on 'examine' or 'look at'. Avoid using it for a quick glance; it implies a goal-oriented observation.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'telescope' or 'microscope'. These tools help you 'scope'—to see and assess things that are far away or very small.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'skopos', meaning 'watcher, target, or goal'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American business culture, 'scoping a project' is a critical initial phase to manage expectations and resources.
Quick Quiz
The engineering team needs to ______ the site before they can start the construction.
Correct!
The correct answer is: scope
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