1 A2 neutral
To adjust a musical instrument so that it plays at the correct pitch; (of an orchestra) to adjust collectively before performing.
"The musicians walked onto the stage and began to tune up."
inseparable
tune up
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To adjust a musical instrument to the correct pitch, or to perform maintenance on an engine to improve its performance.
In plain English
To make sure a musical instrument or car engine is working correctly and at its best.
What does "tune up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To adjust and service a vehicle engine so that it operates at maximum efficiency.
"He took the car to the garage to have the engine tuned up before the long drive."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
(figurative) To improve or optimise a system, process, or one's own skills.
"We need to tune up our onboarding process before the new intake arrives."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To adjust pitch upward; to calibrate to a higher or correct level.
Actually means
To make sure a musical instrument or car engine is working correctly and at its best.
Usage tip
In the musical sense, it can be intransitive (musicians 'tune up' before a concert). In the mechanical sense, it is typically transitive (a mechanic 'tunes up' an engine). A 'tune-up' (noun) refers to either the musical or mechanical process.
Words that pair with "tune up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine car guitar orchestra instrument performance
How to conjugate "tune up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tune up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tunes up
he/she/it
Past simple
tuned up
yesterday
Past participle
tuned up
have + pp
-ing form
tuning up
continuous
Hear "tune up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tune up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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