are attuned to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are attuned to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be aware or responsive to something, or to have a sensitivity or understanding towards something. Example: "Successful leaders are attuned to the needs and concerns of their team members." In this sentence, the phrase "are attuned to" is used to describe the quality of being sensitive and understanding towards the needs and concerns of others. Another example: "Her music compositions are attuned to the emotions of the audience." Here, "are attuned to" is used to describe the quality of being responsive and connected to the emotions of the audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are attuned to each other.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush's aides are attuned to that.

The New York Times

But the reporters are attuned to points of kinship, too.

The New Yorker

Only a few animals are attuned to such an environment.

The Guardian - Travel

After years of talks, however, the rebels are attuned to a public they rarely encountered before.

Harvard University

It suggests they are attuned to the times: Public distrust of global institutions is rising.

The Washington Post

Effective marketing relies on messages that are attuned to the customer.

Harvard Business Review

"We are attuned to the criminal use," added Mythili Raman of the Justice Department.

The Washington Post

They are rather the fundamental ways in which we are attuned to the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

We need tests that are attuned to curriculums rather than curriculums attuned to tests.

The New York Times

"It's the kind of thing we are attuned to," the official said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are attuned to" when you want to emphasize a deep understanding or sensitivity towards subtle cues or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "are attuned to" when a more direct verb like "understand" or "notice" would be clearer and more concise. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are attuned to" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective and a preposition, indicating a state of being aware, sensitive, or responsive to something. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in describing people, organizations, and even animals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are attuned to" signifies a state of heightened awareness, sensitivity, or responsiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, emphasizing its versatility across diverse contexts. As a very common phrase, it is frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. It conveys a keen ability to perceive subtle cues and changes, making it invaluable for describing individuals, organizations, or even animals that exhibit a deep understanding of their surroundings. While various alternatives exist, such as "are responsive to" and "are sensitive to", "are attuned to" offers a unique nuance that emphasizes a refined and perceptive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are responsive to

Focuses on reacting to something in a timely manner.

are sensitive to

Emphasizes a heightened awareness and emotional connection.

are aware of

Highlights knowledge or consciousness of something.

are mindful of

Implies a deliberate attention and consideration.

are cognizant of

Indicates a formal acknowledgement or understanding.

are receptive to

Suggests openness and willingness to accept or consider.

are adjusted to

Implies adaptation and a state of being in harmony with something.

are adapted to

Focuses on the process of fitting into a specific environment or situation.

are finely tuned to

Emphasizes a high degree of precision and sensitivity.

are in sync with

Highlights agreement or harmony with something.

FAQs

How can I use "are attuned to" in a sentence?

Use "are attuned to" to indicate a heightened awareness or sensitivity to something. For example, "Successful negotiators "are attuned to" the unspoken needs of the other party".

What can I say instead of "are attuned to"?

You can use alternatives like "are responsive to", "are sensitive to", or "are aware of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "are attuned with" instead of "are attuned to"?

While "attuned" can sometimes be used with "with", "are attuned to" is the more common and generally preferred construction when indicating awareness or sensitivity to something. Using "are attuned with" might imply being in harmony or agreement with something, which is a slightly different meaning.

What's the difference between "are attuned to" and "are adapted to"?

"Are attuned to" suggests a sensitivity and awareness, while "are adapted to" implies a change or adjustment to better fit a particular environment or situation. For example, animals are adapted to their environment, while marketers "are attuned to" consumer trends.