What are the definitions of “zero in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Direct or focus attention on.
The police have ZEROED IN ON the man they believe to be responsible for the murder.
- 2Head for, move towards.
The hurricane is ZEROING IN ON Florida.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zero in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb zero in on is to direct or focus attention on something or someone. It is often used when talking about narrowing down a search or concentrating on a specific target.
What are the different verb forms of “zero in on”?
| Root Verb | zero in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | zeroes in on |
| Present Participle | zeroing in on |
| Simple Past | zeroed in on |
| Past Participle | zeroed in on |
Example
The detective zeroed in on the main suspect.
Example
She zeroes in on the most important details of the case.
Example
The team is zeroing in on the solution to the problem.
Example
He zeroed in on the key issue during the meeting.
Example
The researchers had zeroed in on the cause of the disease.
What kind of phrasal verb is “zero 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.)
Transitive verb
“zero in on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The investigator zeroed in on the main suspect.
Example
The scientist zeroed in on the most important data.
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
“zero 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 investigator zeroed in on the main suspect.
Example
The scientist zeroed in on the most important data.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zero in on”?
Good things to know
Does “zero in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Zero 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 professional and academic settings.
