Phrasal verbs "hone in on" vs "key in on"

Differences between hone in on and key in on

Hone in on and key in on are similar in meaning, but hone in on implies a more gradual process of focusing and refining, while key in on suggests a more immediate and precise focus.

Meanings and Definitions: hone in on vs key in on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hone in on

• 1. Target, focus.

  The company HONED IN ON and tried to take it over. ( Some consider this verb to be wrong and that is confused with' home in on. )

Key in on

• 1. Focus attention on, single out.

  They KEYED IN ON the person they believed had done it.

Usage Examples: hone in on, key in on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hone in on

Example

The detective honed in on the main suspect.

Example

She hones in on the most important details of the project.

key in on

Example

The detective keyed in on the main suspect.

Example

She keys in on the most important details when studying.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hone in on

focus on

To concentrate on a particular task, issue, or goal.

Example

Let's focus on finishing this project before the deadline.

zero in on

To direct one's attention to a specific target or objective.

Example

The detective was able to zero in on the suspect's location using the GPS tracker.

narrow down

To reduce the number of options or possibilities to a smaller, more manageable set.

Example

We need to narrow down our choices for the new office location based on budget and accessibility.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Key in on

zoom in on

To focus on a specific detail or aspect of a larger picture or situation.

Example

The journalist decided to zoom in on the environmental impact of the new construction project.

home in on

To move closer to a target or objective with precision and accuracy.

Example

The missile was able to home in on the enemy's location and destroy their base.

fixate on

To become overly focused or obsessed with a particular idea, object, or person.

Example

He tends to fixate on small details and overlook the bigger picture.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “key”

• key up
• key on
• key in
• key to
• key down

Phrasal Verbs with “in on”

• zero in on
• home in on
• let in on
• move in on
• close in on

Differences in hone in on vs key in on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hone in on or key in on?

Both hone in on and key in on are commonly used in spoken and written English, but key in on is slightly more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hone in on and key in on

Both phrases are informal and suitable for casual conversations. However, key in on may be slightly more formal than hone in on in certain contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hone in on and key in on

The tone of hone in on is often more deliberate and thoughtful, while key in on has a more assertive and confident tone.

hone in on & key in on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hone in on

Synonyms

• target
• focus on
• concentrate on
• zero in on
• aim at
• direct attention to
• home in on

Antonyms

• ignore
• overlook
• neglect
• disregard
• distract from
• divert attention from

Key in on

Synonyms

• highlight
• emphasize
• spotlight
• focus on
• concentrate on
• pay attention to
• zoom in on
• hone in on

Antonyms

• ignore
• overlook
• disregard
• neglect
• distract from
• divert attention from