fine tune

USAGE SUMMARY

"fine tune" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean "to adjust or refine something in order to obtain the best results." For example, "We need to fine tune the presentation before we show it to the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Then you can fine tune.

The New York Times

There's a new track for you here: "Fine Tune".

The New York Times - Arts

Iran can fine tune its own military supplies.

The Guardian

That is his legacy, however historians fine tune it".

The Guardian

Use AntennaWeb.org to fine tune your signal.

TechCrunch

You can't always fine tune human behavior.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I'll fine-tune that".

The New Yorker

To fine-tune a list, tap it.

The New York Times

You have to fine-tune your focus.

The New York Times - Sports

We'll fine-tune things if we can.

The Guardian - Sport

I can fine-tune my game".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fine tune", ensure the context implies that initial adjustments or settings are already in place. This phrase is best suited for refining existing parameters, not creating them from scratch.

Common error

Avoid using "fine tune" when describing significant changes or complete re-designs. "Fine tune" suggests minor adjustments, so using it for substantial alterations can be misleading and inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fine tune" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of making small adjustments to something, usually to optimize its performance or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fine tune" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of making small, precise adjustments to improve something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both professional and informal communication. When using "fine tune", remember that it implies refining existing parameters, not creating them from scratch, and should not be used for major overhauls. Consider alternatives like "adjust precisely" or "tweak subtly" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjust precisely

Emphasizes accuracy in the adjustment, rather than the degree or stage of adjustment.

calibrate meticulously

Highlights the careful and thorough nature of the calibration process.

tweak subtly

Focuses on the minor nature of the adjustment being made.

refine gradually

Stresses the step-by-step process of refinement over time.

hone carefully

Highlights the precision in honing a skill or process.

polish delicately

Focuses on refining something with care and precision.

optimize incrementally

Suggests optimization through small, progressive improvements.

improve marginally

Highlights the small degree of improvement achieved.

perfect incrementally

Suggests a step-by-step process to achieve perfection.

correct precisely

Emphasizes the correction of errors with high accuracy.

FAQs

How can I use "fine tune" in a sentence?

You can use "fine tune" to describe making small adjustments to improve something. For example, "The team needs to "fine tune" the software before its release."

What are some alternatives to "fine tune"?

Alternatives include "adjust precisely", "tweak subtly", or "calibrate meticulously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fine-tune" or "fine tune" correct?

Both "fine-tune" (with a hyphen) and "fine tune" (without a hyphen) are acceptable, although "fine-tune" is more common when used as an adjective. When used as a verb, "fine tune" is preferred.

What's the difference between "adjust" and "fine tune"?

"Adjust" is a general term for making changes, while "fine tune" implies making small, precise adjustments to optimize something that is already functional. "Fine tuning" suggests a higher degree of refinement.