Figure out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Figure out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the process of understanding or solving something. Example: "I need to figure out how to fix this issue before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can't figure out why?

Huffington Post

You figure out a way.

Wikipedia

Figure out that one".

The New York Times

Figure out your niche.

Huffington Post

Figure out your fun.

Huffington Post

Figure out another solution.

Huffington Post

Figure out the time.

WikiHow

Figure out your interests.

WikiHow

Figure out your personality.

WikiHow

Figure out his interests.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not figure-out-able.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "figure out" when you want to emphasize the process of understanding or solving something, especially when it involves some effort or thought.

Common error

While "figure out" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, it can sound too informal for academic or professional writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "determine" or "ascertain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Figure out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It combines a verb ("figure") with a particle ("out") to create a new verb with a distinct meaning. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's about understanding or solving something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "Figure out" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of understanding, solving, or calculating something. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's more suited to informal contexts. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various domains like News & Media and Wiki. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "determine" or "ascertain". The phrase is relatively rare according to Ludwig's analysis, but remains a valuable part of the English lexicon for expressing mental effort in problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Work out

Similar to "Figure out", but can also imply physical exercise or arrangement.

Determine

Focuses more on establishing something definitively after investigation.

Solve

Implies finding a solution to a problem or question.

Puzzle out

Implies solving something complex through careful thought.

Calculate

Specifically refers to finding a numerical result.

Ascertain

Formal and emphasizes finding something out for certain.

Decipher

Implies understanding something obscure or encoded.

Grasp

Focuses on understanding a concept or idea.

Comprehend

A more formal way of saying understand.

Unravel

Suggests untangling a complex situation or mystery.

FAQs

How can I use "figure out" in a sentence?

You can use "figure out" in a sentence to express the act of understanding or solving something, like "I need to figure out how to fix this issue" or "Can you figure out the answer to this question?"

What are some alternatives to "figure out"?

You can use alternatives like "determine", "solve", or "work out" depending on the context.

Is "figure out" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "figure out" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "ascertain" or "determine".

What's the difference between "figure out" and "solve"?

"Figure out" implies a process of understanding or discovering a solution, while "solve" focuses more on the act of finding the answer to a problem. "Figure out" can also refer to calculating something.