What are the definitions of “zone in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pay attention after not doing so.
I ZONED IN ON what they were saying when they started gossiping.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zone in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb zone in on is to start paying attention to something, especially after not doing so previously. It often implies that the listener becomes focused or interested in a particular topic or conversation.
What are the different verb forms of “zone in on”?
| Root Verb | zone in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | zones in on |
| Present Participle | zoning in on |
| Simple Past | zoned in on |
| Past Participle | zoned in on |
Example
I zone in on the conversation when they mention my favorite movie.
Example
She zones in on the lecture when the professor starts discussing her favorite topic.
Example
He is zoning in on the details of the project now that the deadline is approaching.
Example
Yesterday, they zoned in on the important points during the meeting.
Example
He had zoned in on the key information during the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “zone 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
“zone 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
I zoned in on the conversation when they mentioned my name.
Example
She zoned in on the lecture when it became more interesting.
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 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
I zoned in on the conversation when they mentioned my name.
Example
She zoned in on the lecture when it became more interesting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zone in on”?
Good things to know
Does “zone in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Zone in on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'focus on,' 'pay attention to,' or 'concentrate on.'
