Browse all

zoom in on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To make the camera show one specific thing bigger, or to look very closely at one particular thing

Literal meaning: To move the zoom lens in, aimed at (on) a specific target

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To adjust a camera or digital tool to make one specific subject or area appear larger and more detailed

"Zoom in on the top-left corner of the photo — there's something strange there."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To give very close and careful attention to a particular aspect of something, especially in analysis or discussion

"The documentary zooms in on the lives of ordinary people affected by the policy change."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The literal sense is very common in photography, video, and digital media. The figurative sense — zooming in on a particular issue or idea — is common in journalism, academia, and presentations.

Commonly used with

detail face area issue problem map photo

Forms

Base
zoom in on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
zooms in on
he/she/it
Past simple
zoomed in on
yesterday
Past participle
zoomed in on
have + pp
-ing form
zooming in on
continuous

Understand "zoom in on" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

focus on magnify examine closely zero in on highlight hone in on

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "zoom in on" on Looplines