What are the definitions of “lock onto”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find a target and head for it.
The missile LOCKED ONTO the plane and blew it out of the sky.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lock onto”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lock onto is to find a target and head for it, usually used in the context of a missile or tracking system. For example, it can mean a missile finding its target and following it until it reaches the target.
What are the different verb forms of “lock onto”?
| Root Verb | lock onto |
| Third Person Singular Present | locks onto |
| Present Participle | locking onto |
| Simple Past | locked onto |
| Past Participle | locked onto |
Example
The tracking system locked onto the target.
Example
The missile locks onto the target and follows it.
Example
The missile is locking onto the target.
Example
The missile locked onto the target and destroyed it.
Example
The missile had locked onto the target before it was launched.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lock onto”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“lock onto” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The missile locked onto the target.
Example
The tracking system locked onto the moving object.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lock onto” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The missile locked onto the target.
Example
The tracking system locked onto the moving object.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lock onto”?
Lock onto a signal
Find and follow a specific signal, such as a radio frequency or a GPS signal.
Example
The satellite locked onto the GPS signal and started transmitting data.
Lock onto a target
In the context of photography or videography, to focus on a specific subject and maintain focus on it.
Example
The camera locked onto the subject, keeping it in focus as it moved.
Good things to know
Does “lock onto” have an informal or formal tone?
Lock onto is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in technical and military contexts, but it can also be used in everyday conversations when discussing tracking or focusing on a target.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “lock onto”?
Synonyms
- target
- track
- follow
- pursue
- home in on
- zero in on
Antonyms
- disregard
- lose track of
- ignore
- overlook
- miss
