are tuned to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are tuned to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of adjustment or alignment to a particular frequency, topic, or condition. Example: "The radio stations are tuned to the same frequency to ensure clear communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The suspensions are tuned to match each model.

The New York Times

All zhengs are tuned to a pentatonic scale.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And they are tuned to a simple goal: moving forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Mechanical parameters are tuned to establish an efficient resonance system.

International Journal of Refrigeration

The chickens are tuned to monitor the output of the BBC, Reuters and the Guardian.

The Guardian - Arts

The televisions in this sanctuary reserved for the wealthiest high rollers are tuned to Chinese stations.

The New York Times

The physical properties of the film are tuned to match the elasticity of young skin.

The Guardian

The share is the percentage of televisions in use that are tuned to a particular program.

The New York Times - Sports

The authorities have been known to make inspections to ensure sets are tuned to official programming.

The Guardian

The patterns of the signals are tuned to produce the movements Burkhart thinks about making.

The Guardian

The voltage and frequency are tuned to the same values used in the piezoelectric transmitter measurements.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are tuned to" when describing systems, devices, or even senses that are specifically adjusted or designed to respond to certain stimuli or conditions. This phrase accurately conveys the idea of precision and specialization.

Common error

While versatile, "are tuned to" can sound overly technical in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are set for" or "are ready for" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are tuned to" functions as a copular verb construction, linking a subject to a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a state of adjustment or specialization for a specific purpose or condition. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are tuned to" is a versatile phrase used to describe precise adjustments or adaptations for specific functions or responses. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It's most frequently encountered in scientific and news media, indicating a neutral formality level. To enhance your writing, remember to use it when precision is key and consider simpler alternatives in casual settings. By avoiding overuse in informal contexts, you can maintain clarity and stylistic appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are adapted to

Highlights the process of becoming suitable for a specific purpose or environment.

are set to

Indicates a predetermined state or setting, often implying a scheduled action.

are adjusted for

Focuses on the act of making specific changes to achieve a desired state.

are optimized for

Focuses on maximizing efficiency or performance for a specific task.

are calibrated for

Implies a precise and careful adjustment, often in a technical context.

are designed for

Highlights the intended purpose or function from the initial planning stage.

are configured for

Suggests a setup or arrangement designed for a particular function.

are aligned with

Emphasizes agreement or correspondence with a standard or goal.

are sensitive to

Indicates responsiveness or susceptibility to a particular stimulus or influence.

are geared towards

Implies that efforts or resources are directed towards a specific aim or audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "are tuned to" to describe how something is adjusted or designed to respond to a specific stimulus or condition. For example, "The instruments "are tuned to" A440" or "Our bodies "are tuned to" consume when we're in fight or flight".

What are some alternatives to "are tuned to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "are adjusted for", "are calibrated for", or "are adapted to". Each option conveys a slightly different nuance of adjustment or alignment.

Which is correct, "are tuned to" or "is tuned to"?

"Are tuned to" is used with plural subjects, while "is tuned to" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The instruments "are tuned to" a specific frequency" (plural) versus "The radio "is tuned to" the local station" (singular).

What's the difference between "are tuned to" and "are sensitive to"?

"Are tuned to" implies a deliberate adjustment or design to respond to something specific, whereas "are sensitive to" suggests a natural or inherent responsiveness. For instance, "The antennas "are tuned to" pick up DTV stations" versus "Some applications "are sensitive to" the phone's accelerometer".