hone in
verb
Bob GreeneLisa Russell
Hone in vs. Home in: Usage Guide
Hone in is commonly used to mean "to move toward or focus attention on an objective," as in "hone in on a solution," but the use is often regarded as an error. The original and recommended phrase is home in, with home meaning "to move to or toward an objective by following a signal or landmark," as in "an arrow homing in on a target" and in the name of the creature known as the homing pigeon. Confusion between the similar-sounding hone and home likely arose because hone is a more familiar verb, and its meanings of "to sharpen or smooth with a whetstone" and "to make more acute, intense, or effective" can seem apt in the context of zeroing in on an objective. Still, careful writers will want to use home in, or zero in, if they want to avoid criticism.
Examples of hone in in a Sentence
Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
These are granular in nature and hone in on details of, say, a note, a song, or a series of songs that readers might otherwise miss.
—Vulture Editors, Vulture, 12 May 2026
To further hone in on the best markets, the research also evaluated safety rates and climate.
—Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Highlights we're honed in on include the Regata Royale Silk Scarf, a dashing accessory that adds instant Hamptons-chic to your look, and the Women's Twill Sleep Short, a cozy, cool take on a traditional boxer short.
—Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hone in
Cite this Entry
“Hone in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hone%20in. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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