I found out that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I found out that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the discovery of new information or knowledge about a particular subject. Example: "I found out that the meeting has been rescheduled to next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then I found out that's all there was.

The New York Times - Magazine

As I found out that day in Máméan, I was merely the most recent.

BBC

I found out that was not correct, but as for the correct answer I don't know.

Cornell University

When I found out that tuition fees increased, I began to lose hope.

The New York Times

"See, my thing is I found out that nobody gets out of here alive.

Los Angeles Times

If I found out that something happened to her and that my son did nothing!

Global Health Action

After that I found out that Kerrang!

Independent

And that's how I found out that I had cancer.

Stanford University

And I found out that I could do this.

Cornell University

And I found out that it is systemic".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Finally, I find out that's not going to happen.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I found out that" to introduce information you recently learned or discovered, particularly when the source or method of discovery is relevant to the context.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider using more concise alternatives like "I learned" or "I discovered", especially in formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I found out that" functions as a connector to introduce a subordinate clause expressing information that the speaker has come to know. Ludwig shows that it is frequently used to report a discovery or realization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

27%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I found out that" is a grammatically correct and very common way to introduce newly acquired information. Ludwig AI confirms this, demonstrating its usage across diverse sources. While universally understood, it's essential to consider the context: for more formal writing, synonyms like "I discovered" or "I learned" might be preferable. It's most frequently used in news and media but also appears in academic contexts. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I discovered that

Emphasizes the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

I learned that

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge or skill.

I realized that

Highlights a sudden understanding or awareness.

It turned out that

Indicates an unexpected result or revelation.

I came to understand that

Suggests a gradual process of gaining knowledge.

I ascertained that

Implies a careful investigation to establish a fact.

I gathered that

Indicates drawing a conclusion based on available information.

I perceived that

Highlights a personal understanding or interpretation.

I was informed that

Emphasizes receiving information from another source.

I determined that

Highlights making a firm decision based on evidence or reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "I found out that" in a sentence?

Use "I found out that" to introduce new information you have learned. For example, "I found out that the meeting was postponed."

What are some alternatives to "I found out that"?

You can use alternatives like "I learned that", "I discovered that", or "I realized that depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I found out that" in formal writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but in very formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "I ascertained that" or "I determined that" to enhance the tone.

What's the difference between "I found out that" and "I learned that"?

While similar, "I found out that" often implies discovering something incidentally or through investigation, whereas "I learned that" suggests acquiring knowledge through study or instruction.