in-tune

IPA/ɪntjˈuːn/
IPA/ɪntˈuːn/

in-tune — idiom

1. used to describe a singer or instrumentalist whose notes match the required musi

1.慣用語B1
釋義

used to describe a singer or instrumentalist whose notes match the required musical pitch, either when playing alone or with other performers.

例句

During choir practice, Wren sang every note perfectly in tune.

collocation: sing in tune

Nora turned the tuning pegs slowly because her guitar was not in tune.

is / is not in tune

同義詞
  • on pitch

    less common as a phrase; usually describes individual notes rather than sustained performance

  • in harmony

    more specific — implies multiple notes or voices sound good together

反義詞
  • out of tune

    direct opposite; describes notes that are sharp or flat relative to the correct pitch

用法筆記

Often used with negative markers (not, never) when a musical performance is off pitch.

常見錯誤

❌She played in the tune.
✅She played in tune.
💡'in tune' is a fixed phrase with no article.
❌The piano is on tune.
✅The piano is in tune.
💡use 'in', not 'on'.

2. used when two or more people share similar opinions, feelings, or ways of thinki

2.慣用語B2
釋義

used when two or more people share similar opinions, feelings, or ways of thinking, allowing them to communicate or work together smoothly.

例句

The two managers were in tune about the new project from their very first meeting.

be in tune about [topic]

Indra felt that the committee was completely in tune with the local community's needs.

be in tune with [person/group]

同義詞
  • on the same wavelength

    informal; emphasises intuitive understanding rather than explicit agreement

  • in sync

    informal; suggests coordinated action as well as shared thinking

  • in harmony

    more formal; implies a peaceful, cooperative relationship

反義詞
  • out of tune

    direct opposite; describes people whose views or feelings clash

  • at odds

    stronger; suggests active disagreement or conflict

用法筆記

Followed by 'with' when naming the person or group someone agrees with; 'about' when naming the topic of agreement.

常見錯誤

❌We are in tune each other.
✅We are in tune with each other.
💡the preposition 'with' is required.
❌He is in tune to the boss.
✅He is in tune with the boss.
💡use 'with', not 'to'.

3. used when an object, design, or idea fits well with another in terms of style, c

3.慣用語B2
釋義

used when an object, design, or idea fits well with another in terms of style, character, or purpose.

例句

The soft colours of the painting are in tune with the room's calm atmosphere.

be in tune with [sth] (fit/style)

Padma chose a font that was in tune with the modern feel of the website.

同義詞
  • in keeping

    slightly formal; used especially for style, tradition, or decor

  • consistent

    broader in scope; works for logic, behaviour, and data as well as style

  • compatible

    suggests things that can work together without conflict

反義詞
  • out of tune

    direct opposite; describes things that clash or do not suit each other

  • at odds

    stronger clash; suggests fundamental incompatibility

用法筆記

Subject can be an abstract noun (design, policy, style) or concrete (colours, furniture, font). Always followed by 'with' + the thing it matches.

常見錯誤

❌The curtains are in tune to the carpet.
✅The curtains are in tune with the carpet.
💡use 'with', not 'to'.
❌This policy is in tune of modern needs.
✅This policy is in tune with modern needs.
💡use 'with', not 'of'.