B2 verb Neutral

scope

/skoʊp/

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 5
1

We should scope out the neighborhood before we decide to rent the apartment.

We should examine the area thoroughly before deciding to live there.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
scope
Verb
scope
Adjective
scoped
Related
scoping
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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

1

We should scope out the neighborhood before we decide to rent the apartment.

everyday

We should examine the area thoroughly before deciding to live there.

2

The consultants were hired to scope the requirements for the new digital infrastructure.

formal

The experts were employed to define the specific needs for the new system.

3

I'm going to scope the party first to see if it's worth staying.

informal

I will check out the party to see if it looks fun.

4

Future studies should scope the environmental impact of urban expansion in this region.

academic

Upcoming research needs to evaluate the ecological effects of city growth.

5

Before we sign the contract, we need to scope the project to avoid hidden costs.

business

We must define the boundaries of the work to prevent unexpected expenses.

Word Family

Noun
scope
Verb
scope
Adjective
scoped
Related
scoping

Common Collocations

scope out the competition investigate what competitors are doing
scope a project define the boundaries and goals of a task
scope the area look around a location to understand it
scope for potential look for possibilities or opportunities
carefully scope to investigate something with great detail

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

scope vs scan

Scanning is a quick look for specific info, while scoping is a thorough assessment of extent or potential.

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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.

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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

transitive verb often used as phrasal verb: scope + out + object regular conjugation: scope, scoped, scoping
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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

Related Words

unformible

C1

A noun referring to an entity, substance, or abstract concept that resists being shaped, structured, or categorized into a standard mold. It is often used in technical or philosophical contexts to describe something inherently chaotic or unstructured that defies traditional organization.

overpedery

C1

Describes a state or quality of being excessively concerned with minor details, formal rules, or displaying academic knowledge in a tedious way. It is typically used to criticize someone for being 'too much of a pedant' in their approach to a task or subject.

entractery

C1

Describing something that occurs during or pertains to an intermission or the interval between main acts of a performance. It is often used to characterize supplementary entertainment, music, or transitional activities that fill the gap between primary events.

nonceddom

C1

To designate or treat an entity, such as a word or a technical variable, as a temporary 'nonce' item created for a single, specific occasion. It involves isolating a concept so it does not become a permanent part of a system or vocabulary.

misvertible

C1

To incorrectly convert, transpose, or invert a sequence, data set, or logical statement. This verb describes the specific act of failing to maintain accuracy during a transformation process, resulting in a flawed output.

perivestance

C1

The state or act of surrounding an object or entity, often providing a protective, decorative, or atmospheric layer. It refers to the encompassing environment or the 'clothing' of a central core with external elements.

obscribic

C1

To write over existing text or markings in order to conceal, invalidate, or replace them. It specifically refers to the act of using new writing to obscure what was previously written on a surface.

abflexism

C1

To consciously or unconsciously contract the abdominal muscles and core as a response to physical or psychological stressors. This verb describes the act of adopting a rigid internal posture to display strength, maintain stability, or resist external pressure.

interarchship

C1

Relating to the structural or functional relationship existing between two dental or physiological arches, typically the upper and lower jaws. It describes the state of alignment, spacing, and interaction between these opposing structures in a clinical or biological context.

trimarship

C1

Describing a state of balanced three-way coordination or a structure characterized by tripartite leadership. It is typically used to define systems where three distinct entities share equal power or responsibility to maintain stability.

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