be attuned to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be attuned to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean to be mindful or sensitive to something. For example: "He was attuned to the subtle changes in the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some of us are wired to be attuned to threat".

The New York Times

As a Basque, Karanka would be attuned to regional differences.

Independent

"So you have to be attuned to two cultures.

The New York Times - Food

An ear should be attuned to brakes for any sounds of squeaking or grinding.

The New York Times

Recreational athletes must be attuned to their fatigue, Dr. Raglin said.

The New York Times

My first thought was to respond to the authorities and be attuned to the sorrow.

The New Yorker

Ms. Freeman said the candidates needed to be attuned to the suffering in Florida.

The New York Times

But your pals may not be attuned to the difficulties of your trade.

The New York Times

"You see, you want to be attuned to something new coming in.

The New Yorker

I think when you're doing a musical, you have to be attuned to the director's vision.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But, he adds, "we must be attuned to the systems of nature".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be attuned to" when you want to emphasize a state of sensitivity and awareness towards subtle or important details. For instance, "Effective leaders must be attuned to the needs of their team members."

Common error

Avoid using "be attuned to" when a simple awareness is sufficient. For instance, instead of saying "The student should be attuned to the lecture schedule", use "The student should be aware of the lecture schedule" if you only mean they should know the schedule exists, not necessarily understand its nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be attuned to" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating a state of being receptive or sensitive. It describes a quality or characteristic of the subject, aligning with Ludwig's observation that it means being mindful or sensitive to something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be attuned to" is a versatile phrase used to express sensitivity and awareness, particularly towards subtle details. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, especially in professional and academic settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications, emphasizing its relevance in informed and analytical discourse. To improve your writing, remember that "be attuned to" is best used when a deeper understanding or responsiveness is required, rather than simple awareness. Consider using alternatives like "be sensitive to" or "be responsive to" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sensitive to

Focuses more on emotional awareness and understanding of subtle cues.

be responsive to

Emphasizes reacting appropriately to external stimuli or needs.

be aware of

Highlights a general consciousness and knowledge about something.

be mindful of

Stresses conscious attention and consideration towards something.

be perceptive of

Indicates a keen ability to notice and understand things.

be cognizant of

Implies a formal and intellectual awareness of something.

be alive to

Suggests a heightened state of awareness and readiness.

pay attention to

Emphasizes the act of focusing on something specific.

be keyed into

Implies being closely connected and receptive to something.

be clued into

Highlights having inside knowledge or awareness of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be attuned to" to describe being sensitive or responsive to something. For example, "A good therapist must "be attuned to" the patient's emotional state".

What are some alternatives to "be attuned to"?

Alternatives include "be sensitive to", "be aware of", or "be responsive to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be attuned to" or "be aware of"?

"Be attuned to" implies a deeper level of sensitivity and understanding than "be aware of". Use "be attuned to" when the context requires noticing subtle details or nuances, while "be aware of" is suitable for general knowledge.

What does it mean to "become attuned to" something?

To "become attuned to" something means to gradually develop a sensitivity and understanding of it over time, like "becoming attuned to" the local culture when living abroad.