fine-tune

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'fine-tune' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to make slight adjustments or improvements to achieve a desired result. For example: We need to fine-tune the design of this website so that it appeals to our target audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 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

We could simply fine-tune that incentive even more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Then you can fine tune.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "fine-tune" with specific areas or aspects to make the adjustment more tangible for the reader. For example, "fine-tune the marketing strategy" is more effective than simply "fine-tune."

Common error

While "fine-tune" is widely accepted, overuse can dilute its impact. In formal or academic writing, consider stronger verbs like "optimize", "calibrate", or "refine" for greater precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fine-tune" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the action of making minor adjustments or refinements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for describing incremental improvements as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "fine-tune" denotes making small adjustments to optimize something, a notion Ludwig AI confirms with numerous examples across diverse fields. Predominantly used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. To avoid monotony, consider employing synonyms like "refine", "tweak", or "adjust slightly". Remember, clear specification enhances the impact of "fine-tune," and strategic usage prevents dilution. With a high expert rating and extensive real-world application, mastering "fine-tune" can sharpen your communication skills significantly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fine-adjust

A close synonym that slightly changes the structure.

refine

Highlights improvement and purification, a more formal term.

tweak

A more informal synonym emphasizing minor adjustments.

hone

Suggests sharpening or perfecting something already well-developed.

make minute adjustments

Emphasizes the scale of the adjustments being made.

adjust slightly

Focuses on the small adjustment aspect, omitting the optimization goal.

polish

Implies improving the surface or appearance through small corrections.

calibrate precisely

Emphasizes the precise adjustment needed for accuracy.

optimize

Focuses on making something as effective or functional as possible.

perfect

Aims to achieve flawlessness through careful adjustment.

FAQs

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

You can use "fine-tune" to describe making small adjustments to something to improve it. For example, "The software developers need to "fine-tune" the algorithm to increase its accuracy."

What's a good synonym for "fine-tune"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "fine-tune" with alternatives like "refine", "adjust slightly", or "tweak".

Is "fine-tune" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "fine-tune" is generally appropriate, but in some formal contexts, consider using a more precise synonym like "optimize" or "calibrate" for added impact.

What does it mean to "fine-tune" a process?

To "fine-tune" a process means to make small adjustments and improvements to optimize its efficiency or effectiveness. For instance, "We need to "fine-tune" our production process to reduce waste."