figure out that

USAGE SUMMARY

Of a sentenceThe phrase "figure out that" can be correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate a realization or understanding that has been reached. It can be used in various contexts, but it is often used when talking about solving a problem or coming to a conclusion. Example sentence: After hours of trying to figure out the solution, she finally figured out that she had been using the wrong formula all along.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Figure out that song.

WikiHow

People are trying to figure out that system and all its tricky legal and privacy issues.

Huffington Post

It's taken me a long time to figure out that simple is the goal.

Huffington Post

Figure out that one".

The New York Times

And so we figure out that something in pot keeps the virus at bay.

The New Yorker

How did Daby figure out that he needed to take the recordings to Europe?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They called in Defense.net, which investigated and figure out that it was a DDoS attack.

TechCrunch

So we've got to figure out that line".

The New Yorker

We'll have to figure out that in the future".

The New York Times

"It took Greg a while to figure out that dance".

The New York Times

Until you figure out that it's made of plastic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "figure out that", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being understood or realized. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens communication.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "figure out that" can make writing sound informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "determine that" or "ascertain that" to enhance the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figure out that" functions as a cognitive verb construction indicating a process of understanding, discovering, or realizing something. Ludwig examples show the phrase used to express a moment of clarity or a result of investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "figure out that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of understanding or realizing something. Ludwig's AI confirms its acceptability and frequent usage in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, using more formal alternatives like "determine that" can enhance sophistication in certain writing styles. The analysis reveals that "figure out that" is suitable for general communication, conveying a sense of understanding or discovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

realize that

Emphasizes the moment of understanding or becoming aware of something.

understand that

Focuses on having a clear comprehension of a particular fact or situation.

determine that

Suggests a process of investigation or calculation leading to a conclusion.

discover that

Highlights the act of finding out something previously unknown.

find out that

Implies uncovering information, often through inquiry or chance.

ascertain that

Indicates establishing something with certainty, often through formal investigation.

learn that

Stresses the process of gaining knowledge or skill.

conclude that

Focuses on reaching a judgment or decision based on evidence.

deduce that

Emphasizes reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion.

gather that

Suggests inferring something from incomplete or indirect evidence.

FAQs

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

Use "figure out that" when you want to express the act of understanding, discovering, or realizing something. For example, "After the investigation, they "determined that" he was innocent".

What are some alternatives to "figure out that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "realize that", "understand that", or "determine that".

Is it more appropriate to use "figure out that" or "find out that"?

While both are acceptable, "find out that" implies uncovering information, often through inquiry or chance, while "figure out that" suggests a more active process of reasoning and understanding.

What's the difference between "figure out that" and "deduce that"?

"Deduce that" emphasizes reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion, whereas "figure out that" is a more general term for understanding or solving something.