figured it out

USAGE SUMMARY

"figured it out" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to solve or understand something that was previously confusing or unknown. Example: After hours of struggling with the complicated math problem, Jane finally figured it out and received an A+ on her test. In this sentence, "figured it out" is used to show that Jane was able to solve the math problem and understand it after facing difficulties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We figured it out.

The New York Times - Sports

I've figured it out.

The New York Times

"Somebody figured it out".

The New York Times - Magazine

"He figured it out".

The New York Times - Sports

I figured it out.

The New York Times

She figured it out.

The New York Times

Fish has figured it out.

The New Yorker

Djokovic has figured it out.

The New York Times

I finally figured it out".

The New York Times - Health

She soon figured it out.

The New York Times - Tech

Somehow they figured it out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "figured it out" when you want to emphasize the process of understanding or solving something, especially after some effort or confusion. For example: "After struggling with the instructions, she finally figured it out."

Common error

Avoid using "figured it out" when a simpler synonym like "understood" suffices. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider whether the context truly implies a process of figuring something out, or if simple understanding is enough.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "figured it out" is that of a phrasal verb. It acts as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the action of understanding or solving something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

18%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Figured it out" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies the successful completion of a thought process leading to understanding or resolution. It is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI and is used across diverse contexts ranging from informal conversations to news reports. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker frequently employ this phrase. While its register is mostly neutral, writers should consider more formal alternatives such as "understood" or "determined" in specific contexts. In summary, while universally accepted and highly prevalent, writers should be mindful of the situation when choosing to employ the phrasal verb, but the examples show that this phrasal verb is so used in high-quality sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solved it

Focuses more on the act of finding a solution.

understood it

Emphasizes comprehension and grasping the meaning.

worked it out

Highlights the process of reasoning and resolving a problem.

cracked it

Implies successfully solving a puzzle or complex problem.

deciphered it

Suggests interpreting something obscure or difficult to understand.

unraveled it

Indicates discovering the truth or solution by untangling a complex situation.

got to the bottom of it

Emphasizes discovering the fundamental cause or explanation.

found the answer

Directly states the act of locating a solution.

realized it

Highlights the moment of understanding or awareness.

grasped it

Focuses on achieving a firm understanding or comprehension.

FAQs

What does it mean to say that someone "figured it out"?

Saying someone "figured it out" means they've understood something after a period of confusion or effort. It suggests a process of reasoning or discovery.

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

You can use "figured it out" to describe understanding a complex problem, solving a puzzle, or realizing the truth about a situation. For example: "He figured it out after hours of research."

What are some alternatives to "figured it out"?

You can use alternatives like "solved it", "understood it", or "worked it out" depending on the specific context.

Is "figured it out" formal or informal?

"Figured it out" is generally considered informal and is suitable for everyday conversation and writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "comprehended" or "determined".