figure it out

USAGE SUMMARY

"figure it out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of understanding or solving a problem or puzzle. For example, "I don't understand this math problem, but I'm sure I can figure it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Go figure it out".

The New York Times

You'll figure it out".

The New York Times - Sports

Figure it out".

The New York Times

"I'll figure it out".

The New Yorker

They'll figure it out.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Figure it out now.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He cannot figure it out.

The New Yorker

Berge would figure it out.

The New Yorker

We couldn't figure it out.

The New Yorker

People will figure it out.

The New York Times

"Let them figure it out.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "figure it out" when you want to convey a sense of problem-solving or understanding through effort or investigation. It's suitable for situations where the solution isn't immediately obvious.

Common error

While versatile, "figure it out" can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for more formal alternatives like "resolve", "determine", or "ascertain" /s/determine when addressing a highly formal audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figure it out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It represents the action of finding a solution or understanding something through thought or investigation. The examples show its use in various contexts from news articles to personal directives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "figure it out" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the process of understanding or solving a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it leans toward informal usage, so consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. Remember to use it when conveying a sense of problem-solving or understanding, and be mindful of the audience when choosing between "figure it out" and its more formal counterparts such as "determine" or "ascertain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work it out

Implies a process of solving a problem through effort and discussion.

sort it out

Suggests organizing or clarifying a situation to resolve confusion.

resolve it

Focuses on finding a solution to a problem or conflict.

get to the bottom of it

Emphasizes discovering the root cause of an issue.

make sense of it

Highlights the process of understanding something that is confusing.

decipher it

Implies interpreting something obscure or encoded.

untangle it

Suggests unraveling a complex or confusing situation.

crack it

Informal way of saying solving a complex problem or code.

find a solution

Highlights the goal of resolving a problem or challenge.

get your head around it

Focuses on understanding something complex after some effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "figure it out" to express the act of discovering, understanding, or solving something. For example, "I need to figure out how to fix this problem", or "Can you figure it out by tomorrow"?

What are some alternatives to "figure it out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "work it out", "solve it", "resolve it", or "determine".

Is "figure it out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "figure it out" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "ascertain", "determine", or "resolve" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "figure it out" and "work it out"?

Both phrases imply solving a problem, but "work it out" often suggests a more collaborative or effortful process, while "figure it out" can imply a more individual or intuitive understanding. Context will often dictate which is more appropriate.