figuring out

USAGE SUMMARY

"figuring out" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is usually used when attempting to solve a problem or understand something, such as "I'm having trouble figuring out how to do this math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You start figuring out what works".

The New York Times - Sports

Key was figuring out what it was.

The New York Times

Unmasking them, figuring out their identities.

The New York Times - Magazine

Figuring out that new phase.

The Guardian - Film

"That's the same thing we're figuring out".

The New Yorker

And that's something I'm figuring out".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's figuring out the angles, he's figuring out the footwork, and he's done a solid job".

The New York Times - Sports

And why do they need figuring out?

The Guardian

Figuring out these Red Sox is maddening.

The New York Times - Sports

You're figuring out how the world works.

The New York Times - Magazine

The challenge is figuring out which ones.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "figuring out", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being understood or solved. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the object of your understanding.

Common error

While "figuring out" is widely accepted, overuse in formal writing can make your writing sound less professional. Consider more formal alternatives such as "ascertaining" or "determining" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "figuring out" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as the present participle of the verb phrase 'figure out'. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often functions as part of a continuous verb tense, describing an ongoing process of understanding or problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "figuring out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of understanding or solving something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and enjoys frequent usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While generally considered neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "ascertaining" or "determining" may be preferred in highly professional or academic settings. To enhance clarity, ensure the object of understanding is clearly specified, and avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Working out

Replaces "figuring" with a synonym that implies a process of solving something, often mathematical or logistical.

Making sense of

Focuses on creating understanding from something confusing or nonsensical.

Sorting out

Focuses on the aspect of resolving confusion or untangling a problem, rather than the broader understanding.

Deciphering

Suggests uncovering meaning from something obscure or difficult to understand.

Ascertaining

Emphasizes establishing something with certainty, a more formal alternative.

Grasping

Highlights the act of understanding something quickly or intuitively.

Comprehending

Indicates a complete and thorough understanding.

Unraveling

Implies revealing or solving a mystery or complex problem.

Getting to the bottom of

Suggests a thorough investigation to discover the underlying truth or cause.

Finding a solution

Shifts the focus to the outcome of solving a problem, rather than the process of understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "figuring out" when you are in the process of understanding something or solving a problem. For example, "I'm still "figuring out" the best way to approach this project."

What are some alternatives to "figuring out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "working out", "sorting out", or "making sense of".

Is "figuring out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "figuring out" is generally acceptable, it may be better to use more formal alternatives like "ascertaining" or "determining" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "figuring out" and "finding out"?

"Figuring out" implies a process of reasoning or problem-solving to understand something, while "finding out" simply means discovering information, often without significant effort.