figure things out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "figure things out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to solve a problem or come to a conclusion. For example, "I'm not sure what to do next, so I'm going to take some time to figure things out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Children will figure things out".

The New York Times - Books

We will figure things out".

The Guardian - Sport

I walk in and figure things out".

The New York Times

We're still trying to figure things out".

The New York Times - Sports

Or even further, to figure things out".

The New Yorker

"We need to figure things out".

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, take time to figure things out carefully.

The New York Times

He simply let Eurisko figure things out for itself.

The New Yorker

"We all figure things out at different points.

The New York Times - Sports

This is where taking time to figure things out matters.

The New York Times

We will stay together and figure things out".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "figure things out" when you want to convey the process of understanding or solving a problem through thought and effort. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "figure things out" in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "determine", "resolve", or "ascertain" may be more appropriate for maintaining a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figure things out" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the process of understanding, solving, or resolving a problem or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears across various contexts, as illustrated by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "figure things out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of understanding or solving a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across a range of contexts. While common in news, media, and informal communication, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "determine" or "resolve". The phrase implies an active effort to understand or find a solution through thought and analysis. Its widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort things out

Focuses more on resolving existing issues or confusion.

work things out

Implies effort and problem-solving to reach a solution or understanding.

resolve issues

More formal and specific to addressing problems.

make sense of things

Focuses on understanding complex or confusing information.

determine the solution

Focuses on finding a specific answer or fix.

get to the bottom of things

Emphasizes uncovering the underlying truth or cause.

clear up misunderstandings

Specific to resolving confusion or disagreements.

find a resolution

Highlights the act of reaching a conclusion or settlement.

puzzle things out

Implies careful thought and deduction to solve a problem.

unravel the mystery

Suggests uncovering a hidden or complex situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "figure things out" to describe the process of understanding or solving a problem. For example, "I need some time to "figure things out" before making a decision."

What's the difference between "figure things out" and "sort things out"?

"Figure things out" generally means to understand something, while "sort things out" implies resolving a problem or organizing something that is in disarray. Both can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but they have slightly different connotations.

Are there more formal alternatives to "figure things out"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "determine", "resolve", or "ascertain" instead of ""figure things out"" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "figured things out"?

Yes, "figured things out" is the past tense form of "figure things out" and is grammatically correct. For example, "After hours of research, I finally figured things out."