Finely tuned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Finely tuned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been carefully adjusted or optimized for better performance or precision. Example: "The musician's finely tuned ear allowed her to detect even the slightest imperfections in the sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finely tuned movements.

Huffington Post

He had finely tuned antennae".

The New Yorker

"That's been finely tuned and works well.

The New York Times

All of the literature was finely tuned.

The Guardian

The body is a finely tuned instrument.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sadly my observational habits are too finely tuned to dissolve.

Independent

He needed finely tuned political instincts to survive.

The New York Times

Chromatin regulation involves finely tuned processes, including long-distance interactions.

Handbook of Epigenetics The New Molecular and Medical Genetics

The photovoltaic (PV) performance was finely tuned via molecular design.

Dyes and Pigments

Their function is finely tuned by activating and inhibitory receptors.

Trends in Immunology

Blogs, at their best, are like finely tuned forums.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finely tuned" to describe systems, processes, or skills that have been carefully adjusted to achieve optimal performance or accuracy. For example, "a finely tuned engine" or "finely tuned negotiation skills".

Common error

Avoid using "finely tuned" in contexts where simple adjustments are sufficient. The phrase implies a significant degree of precision and optimization; using it for trivial adjustments can sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finely tuned" functions primarily as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they have been precisely adjusted or optimized. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, as demonstrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finely tuned" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as a compound adjective. According to Ludwig, it conveys precision and optimization across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and technology. While its usage is versatile, avoid using it in situations where the adjustment is too simple or insignificant. Alternatives such as "precisely calibrated" or "skillfully optimized" may offer nuanced options. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC. Its adaptability and widespread usage highlight its value in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Precisely calibrated

Replaces 'finely' with 'precisely', highlighting accuracy in calibration.

Carefully calibrated

Substitutes 'finely' with 'carefully', focusing on the meticulous nature of the tuning.

Optimized for precision

Emphasizes the optimization aspect of "finely tuned", shifting the focus to the outcome.

Meticulously adjusted

Highlights the detailed and careful nature of the adjustments.

Well-honed

Uses a single word to convey the sense of refinement and skill.

Perfectly adjusted

Focuses on the state of being perfectly in tune or alignment.

Highly refined

Highlights the sophistication and level of detail in the tuning.

Skillfully optimized

Emphasizes the skill involved in the optimization process.

Exquisitely crafted

Suggests a high level of artistry and care in the tuning process.

Delicately balanced

Implies a careful adjustment to achieve equilibrium or harmony.

FAQs

How can I use "finely tuned" in a sentence?

You can use "finely tuned" to describe something that has been carefully adjusted to achieve optimal performance or precision. For example, "The athlete's training regimen was "finely tuned" to maximize their speed and endurance".

What are some alternatives to "finely tuned"?

Alternatives to "finely tuned" include "precisely calibrated", "carefully adjusted", or "skillfully optimized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "finely tune" instead of "finely tuned"?

While "finely tune" can be used as a verb, "finely tuned" is the adjectival form more commonly used to describe something that has already been adjusted or optimized. For example: "The team worked to finely tune the process" versus "The process was "finely tuned"".

What's the difference between "finely tuned" and "well-honed"?

"Finely tuned" suggests a precise adjustment for optimal performance, while "well-honed" implies that something has been refined and perfected through practice or experience. "Finely tuned" is often used for mechanisms or systems, while "well-honed" is more often applied to skills or abilities.