What does the phrasal verb “tune in” mean?

What are the definitions of “tune in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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

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

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tune in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tune in is to watch or listen to a TV or radio show. It means to adjust your device to receive a specific channel or station.

What are the different verb forms of “tune in”?

Root Verb	tune in
Third Person Singular Present	tunes in
Present Participle	tuning in
Simple Past	tuned in
Past Participle	tuned in

Example

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

Example

She tunes in to her favorite radio station every morning.

Example

He is tuning in to the live broadcast of the concert.

Example

Yesterday, they tuned in to the football game on TV.

Example

I had tuned in to the weather report before leaving the house.

What kind of phrasal verb is “tune in”?

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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

“tune in” 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

I tuned in to the radio show.

Example

She tuned in to the TV program.

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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

“tune in” 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

I tuned in to the radio show.

Example

She tuned in to the TV program.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tune in”?

Tune in to

To pay attention or focus on something.

Example

You need to tune in to the teacher's instructions.

Tune in, drop out

A phrase popularized in the 1960s counterculture movement, encouraging people to reject conventional society and embrace alternative lifestyles.

Example

The hippie movement encouraged people to tune in, drop out and explore new ways of living.

Good things to know

Does “tune in” have an informal or formal tone?

Tune in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing TV or radio programs. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with phrases like 'watch' or 'listen to' depending on the context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “tune in”?

Synonyms

• watch
• listen
• focus
• attend
• pay attention

Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• overlook
• neglect
• tune out