tuning out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tuning out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of ignoring or becoming less attentive to something, such as a conversation or noise. Example: "During the long lecture, I found myself tuning out the professor's voice and daydreaming instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tuning out".

The New York Times - Travel

Do you find yourself tuning out?

The New York Times

He looked around as if tuning out a school principal.

The New York Times

Tuning out on weekends makes for better workdays.

The Guardian

Consumers also seem to be tuning out information on recalls.

The New York Times

In many households, that also meant tuning out the distressing news from Iraq.

The New York Times

No wonder listeners are tuning out and turning to their BlackBerrys.

The New York Times

By the nineties, fans were already tuning out, and soon players began to as well.

The New Yorker

Communication Starts Early Not all parents, of course, are routinely tuning out their young children.

The New York Times - Health

Eventually, I found myself tuning out and just concentrating on the music.

The Guardian

Surprisingly often, you find yourself tuning out Massive Attack's music and focusing on the visual spectacle.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tuning out" when you want to convey a sense of detachment or disinterest in something. It works well when describing someone ignoring distractions or unpleasant information.

Common error

Avoid using "tuning out" when you mean someone is simply uninformed. "Tuning out" implies an active decision to ignore, not just a lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tuning out" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase follows standard grammar rules, and its frequent usage in various contexts underscores its versatility in expressing a deliberate or subconscious act of disengagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tuning out" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that conveys the act of disengaging or ignoring something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's essential to consider the intentionality behind the action to ensure accurate usage. Related phrases include "ignoring", "disengaging from", and "switching off", offering alternative ways to express a similar lack of attention. When writing, remember that "tuning out" implies an active decision to ignore, not just a lack of awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switching off

Implies ceasing to engage or pay attention, similar to turning off a device.

ignoring

Suggests a conscious decision to disregard something.

blocking out

Indicates an effort to prevent something from reaching one's awareness.

paying no attention to

Emphasizes a lack of focus or interest.

losing focus on

Suggests a diminished ability to concentrate on something.

disengaging from

Implies a deliberate withdrawal from involvement or attention.

becoming inattentive to

Indicates a lapse in attentiveness.

becoming oblivious to

Suggests a gradual loss of awareness or attention.

becoming indifferent to

Highlights a lack of concern or interest.

distracting oneself from

Suggests actively diverting attention from something.

FAQs

How can I use "tuning out" in a sentence?

You can use "tuning out" to describe the act of ignoring or becoming less attentive to something. For example, "During the meeting, I found myself tuning out the speaker's voice and daydreaming instead."

What's a good alternative for "tuning out"?

Alternatives include "ignoring", "disengaging from", or "switching off", depending on the specific context.

Is "tuning out" formal or informal?

"Tuning out" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts, including news and media. It's versatile enough for everyday conversation but may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing.

When is it inappropriate to use "tuning out"?

It might be inappropriate to use "tuning out" in situations where a more formal or precise term is needed, such as in scientific reports or legal documents. Consider using alternatives like "disregarding" or "becoming inattentive to" in those cases.