What are the definitions of “zone in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pay attention after not doing so.
I was bored at first but then ZONED IN when things started getting more interesting.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zone in”?
The phrasal verb zone in means to start paying attention to something after not doing so initially. It is often used when someone becomes interested or engaged in a situation or conversation that they were previously not focused on.
What are the different verb forms of “zone in”?
| Root Verb | zone in |
| Third Person Singular Present | zones in |
| Present Participle | zoning in |
| Simple Past | zoned in |
| Past Participle | zoned in |
Example
I usually zone in when the topic becomes more interesting.
Example
She zones in when the discussion turns to her favorite subject.
Example
He is zoning in on the speaker's presentation now that it's more engaging.
Example
Yesterday, they zoned in on the movie when the plot started to thicken.
Example
I had zoned in on the conversation when it became more relevant to me.
What kind of phrasal verb is “zone in”?
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
“zone 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 zoned in when the topic became more interesting.
Example
She zoned in during the second half of the lecture.
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
“zone 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 zoned in when the topic became more interesting.
Example
She zoned in during the second half of the lecture.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zone in”?
Good things to know
Does “zone in” have an informal or formal tone?
Zone in is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'focus on' or 'pay attention to' may be more appropriate.
