figure out

USAGE SUMMARY

"figure out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when attempting to solve a problem or figure out the answer to a question. For example: "I'm having trouble finishing this math problem. I need to figure out the correct equation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

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 ingenuity.

Common error

Avoid using "figure out" when referring to simply locating a physical object. Instead of saying "I need to figure out my keys", use "find" or "locate".

How to use

Learn how to use "figure out" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "figure out" functions primarily as a verb of cognition, indicating the process of understanding, solving, or discovering something. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage in contexts requiring problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

49%

News & Media

8%

Science

43%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "figure out" is a very common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of understanding, solving, or discovering something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in informal contexts like Wiki articles and news media. While less common in formal writing, it remains a useful and widely understood expression. Alternatives like "work out", "determine", and "understand" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work out

This alternative is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "figure out".

solve

This alternative is more concise and directly implies finding an answer or solution.

discover

This alternative emphasizes the act of finding something previously unknown.

understand

This alternative focuses on gaining comprehension of a concept or situation.

get to the bottom of

This alternative emphasizes finding the root cause or truth behind something, often a problem.

determine

This alternative is more formal and implies a careful and systematic investigation to reach a conclusion.

resolve

This alternative focuses on finding a solution to a problem or difficulty.

unravel

This alternative suggests disentangling a mystery or complex situation to reveal the truth.

ascertain

This alternative suggests a more formal and meticulous process of finding something out.

decipher

This alternative implies unraveling something complex or obscure.

FAQs

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

You can use "figure out" to describe the process of understanding something, like, "I need to "figure out" how this machine works" or "Can you "figure out" what went wrong?".

What is the difference between "figure out" and "find out"?

"Figure out" implies a process of reasoning or problem-solving to understand something. "Find out" simply means to discover information, often without significant effort.

What can I say instead of "figure out"?

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

Is "figure out" formal or informal?

"Figure out" is generally considered informal and is more appropriate for casual conversation and writing. In formal contexts, consider using "determine" or "ascertain".