What are the definitions of “zoom in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Focus more closely.
The camera ZOOMED IN to show people's faces.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “zoom in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb zoom in is to focus more closely on something, usually with a camera or other visual device. It means to make an object or scene appear larger or closer.
What are the different verb forms of “zoom in”?
| Root Verb | zoom in |
| Third Person Singular Present | zooms in |
| Present Participle | zooming in |
| Simple Past | zoomed in |
| Past Participle | zoomed in |
Example
The photographer zoomed in on the bird to capture its details.
Example
She zooms in on the map to see the street names.
Example
He is zooming in on the document to read the small print.
Example
Yesterday, the camera zoomed in on the actor's face during the emotional scene.
Example
The camera had zoomed in on the flowers, making them appear larger.
What kind of phrasal verb is “zoom in”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“zoom in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The camera zoomed in to show the details.
Example
She zoomed in on the map to see the street names.
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
“zoom in” 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 camera zoomed in to show the details.
Example
She zoomed in on the map to see the street names.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “zoom in”?
Zoom in on something
To focus more closely on a specific object or area.
Example
The detective zoomed in on the suspect's fingerprints to analyze them.
Zoom in and out
To alternate between focusing more closely and focusing less closely on an object or scene.
Example
The video editor zoomed in and out to create a dynamic effect.
Zoom in on a computer
To enlarge the view of text, images, or other content on a computer screen.
Example
To read the small text, he zoomed in on the webpage.
Good things to know
Does “zoom in” have an informal or formal tone?
Zoom in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more technical or professional settings, such as photography, filmmaking, or computer usage.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “zoom in”?
Synonyms
- enlarge
- focus
- magnify
- close up
- narrow in
Antonyms
- zoom out
- shrink
- reduce
- pull back
- retreat
