What are the definitions of “home in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Target.
The government is HOMING IN ON benefit fraud.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “home in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb home in on is to focus or target something, usually with the intention of solving a problem or achieving a goal. It is often used when someone is trying to find a specific solution or target a particular issue.
What are the different verb forms of “home in on”?
| Root Verb | home in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | homes in on |
| Present Participle | homing in on |
| Simple Past | homed in on |
| Past Participle | homed in on |
Example
The detective homed in on the main suspect.
Example
She homes in on the most important details in her research.
Example
The team is homing in on the root cause of the problem.
Example
The search party homed in on the missing hiker's location.
Example
The missile homed in on its target.
What kind of phrasal verb is “home in on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“home in on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The missile homed in on its target.
Example
The search party homed in on the missing hiker's location.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“home in on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The missile homed in on its target.
Example
The search party homed in on the missing hiker's location.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “home in on”?
Good things to know
Does “home in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Home in on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
