Phrasal verbs "tune in" vs "tune out"

Differences between tune in and tune out

Tune in means to focus on something, pay attention, or watch or listen to something carefully. Tune out means to stop paying attention or to become distracted.

Meanings and Definitions: tune in vs tune out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Tune in

• 1. Watch or listen to a TV or radio show.

  Be sure to TUNE IN next week for the next episode.

Tune out

• 1. Ignore, not pay attention.

  I TUNED him OUT because he was talking such rubbish.

Usage Examples: tune in, tune out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

tune in

Example

Don't forget to tune in to the news tonight.

Example

She tunes in to her favorite radio station every morning.

tune out

Example

When the teacher started talking about history, I tuned out.

Example

She tunes out whenever her brother talks about video games.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tune in

pay attention

To focus on something and give it your full attention.

Example

During the lecture, it's important to pay attention to the professor's explanations.

be all ears

To be fully attentive and interested in what someone is saying.

Example

Whenever his grandfather tells stories, he's all ears and listens intently.

catch every word

To listen carefully and not miss any part of what someone is saying.

Example

She leaned forward to catch every word of the radio interview with her favorite author.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tune out

zone out

To become mentally disengaged or distracted from what is happening around you.

Example

During the long meeting, she started to zone out and think about her weekend plans.

daydream

To let your mind wander and think about pleasant things instead of focusing on what is happening around you.

Example

While studying, she often daydreamed about traveling to exotic places.

lose track

To stop paying attention and forget what is happening or being said.

Example

After a while, she lost track of the conversation and had to ask for a recap.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “tune”

• tune in to
• tune out
• tune up

Phrasal Verbs with “in”

• fence in
• do in
• count in
• stop in
• end in

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• slip out
• wimp out
• break out
• bed out
• sneak out

Differences in tune in vs tune out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: tune in or tune out?

Both tune in and tune out are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, tune out is more frequently used than tune in. This is because people often talk about getting distracted or losing focus, which is when we use tune out.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of tune in and tune out

Tune in and tune out are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of tune in and tune out

The tone of tune in and tune out can differ based on context. Tune in often carries a positive or enthusiastic tone when related to watching or listening to something interesting or important, while tune out typically has a negative or indifferent tone, especially when referring to ignoring or becoming bored with something.

tune in & tune out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Tune in

Synonyms

• watch
• listen
• focus
• attend
• pay attention

Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• overlook
• neglect
• tune out

Tune out

Synonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• neglect
• overlook
• block out
• pay no attention
• zone out

Antonyms

• focus
• listen
• concentrate
• heed
• notice
• pay attention
• tune in