hone in on

USAGE SUMMARY

"hone in on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of focusing on a goal or target. For example, "We need to hone in on a solution to this problem quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it needs to hone in on one of its own.

The Guardian - Tech

Identifying an angle will allow students to create a storyline and hone in on their message.

The New York Times

Eventually Mr. Daugherty does hone in on the Heller appetites (ravenous), attitudes (scathing) and talents.

The New York Times

Either way, you'll definitely want to hone in on your employability to increase your chances.

Independent

The CSM staff, then, hone in on what each individual is best at and nurture it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And she helped me to hone in on the woman I would become today.

The New York Times

Instead they decided to hone in on the articles that they loved.

The Guardian

But first we need to hone in on a few key questions.

The Guardian

Experiment in order to hone in on the true problem.

TechCrunch

TIGTA isn't the first government watchdog to hone in on problems with the program.

Forbes

Specialists hone in on certain categories, often looking at particular years and designers.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “hone in on” when you want to emphasize the act of refining your focus to achieve a specific goal or understand a particular aspect of a subject. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing strategies, research, or problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid confusing “hone in on” with “home in on”. “Hone” means to sharpen or refine, while “home” refers to returning to a place. While “home in on” is also a valid phrase, “hone in on” is more appropriate when discussing refining focus or skills.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of “hone in on” is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a transitive verb requiring an object. It describes the action of focusing or concentrating on a specific point or subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “hone in on” is a versatile and widely accepted phrasal verb that means to focus or concentrate on something specific. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and applicability across diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific, and general writing. Remember to refine your understanding of “hone in on” as distinct from "home in on". By avoiding common errors and appreciating its nuance, you can confidently employ “hone in on” to add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Concentrate on

Focuses on directing one's attention or efforts towards a particular subject or task.

Focus on

Highlights the act of directing attention and effort toward a specific point or goal.

Zero in on

Emphasizes identifying and focusing on the most critical or relevant aspect.

Pinpoint

Indicates identifying something with great precision and accuracy.

Home in on

Implies approaching a target gradually and precisely, often used in navigation contexts.

Center on

Highlights the idea of making something the main point or focus of attention.

Target

Focuses on aiming efforts or resources towards achieving a specific goal or objective.

Direct attention to

Emphasizes intentionally guiding focus toward a particular subject.

Zoom in on

Implies magnifying or intensifying focus on a specific detail or aspect.

Narrow down

Focuses on reducing the scope of consideration to a more manageable or specific set of options.

FAQs

How can I use "hone in on" in a sentence?

You can use "hone in on" to indicate focusing or concentrating on something specific. For example, "The team needs to hone in on the key issues to find a solution quickly."

What's the difference between "hone in on" and "home in on"?

"Hone in on" means to refine or sharpen your focus, whereas "home in on" refers to moving towards a target, like a guided missile. Although both phrases exist, the context determines the appropriate choice.

What are some alternatives to "hone in on"?

You can use alternatives like "focus on", "concentrate on", or "zero in on" depending on the context.

Is "hone in on" formal or informal?

"Hone in on" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and casual conversations.