What does the phrasal verb “tune in to” mean?

What are the definitions of “tune in to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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

  Make sure you TUNE IN TO next week's show.

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

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

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

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

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 to”?

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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 to” 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 to” 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 to”?

Tune in

To adjust a radio or television receiver to receive a specific signal or channel.

Example

I tuned in to the radio station to listen to the interview.

Tune in to someone/something

To pay attention or become aware of someone or something.

Example

He tuned in to the conversation when he heard his name mentioned.

Tune in, drop out

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

Example

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

Good things to know

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

Tune in to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be found in more formal settings, such as news broadcasts or official announcements.

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

Synonyms

• watch
• listen
• follow
• pay attention
• focus on
• attend to

Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• overlook
• neglect
• miss
• tune out