find

USAGE SUMMARY

The word find is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to attempting to locate or discover something. Example sentence: I'm trying to find the perfect birthday gift for my best friend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others want to find things that support what they want the party to do in the future.

The Guardian

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find yet more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings.

The Guardian - Sport

What will I find?

The Guardian

A film adaptation was released in 1971, and the show placed fourth in a BBC poll to find Britain's best sitcom in 2004.

The Guardian - Film

It's too long, this time that has been taken to find a solution.

The Guardian - Business

Find out more about Will on his website.

The Guardian

"If what I have been told is true then it will be obvious to everyone that I find myself caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

The Guardian

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, said the government was "carefully studying" the judgment to determine an appropriate response, but he strongly signalled his determination to find a way to ensure the chaplaincy program continued.

The Guardian

Northern Ireland secretary John Reid has until Saturday night to find a compromise between Sinn Fein and David Trimble's Ulster Unionists on decommissioning, police reform and demilitarisation, or again suspend the assembly (either indefinitely or for six weeks) or call fresh elections.

The Guardian

"I was amazed to find that I slept that night without waking up once, and I can't remember the last time that happened.

The Guardian

How did you find out?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "find" when you want to express the act of locating something, either intentionally or accidentally. Consider stronger synonyms like "discover" or "uncover" for greater impact when appropriate.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overusing the verb "find". Instead, vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "discover", "determine", or "ascertain" to enhance the sophistication and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "find" is as a transitive verb, indicating the act of locating or discovering something. According to Ludwig AI, this can be both intentional and accidental. It can also function as a noun, referring to something that is found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Books

6%

Travel

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "find" is a versatile verb indicating the act of locating or discovering something, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, from everyday situations to more formal settings. The analysis of example sentences confirms that "find" is most frequently used in news and media, showcasing its widespread applicability. While grammatically straightforward, writers should consider nuances and synonyms to enhance their writing. Remember to explore alternatives like "discover" or "ascertain" to add depth and precision to your expression. The frequency of its usage in reliable sources underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discover

Implies a more intentional or surprising act of coming across something.

locate

Focuses specifically on determining the physical position of something.

detect

Suggests uncovering something that is not immediately obvious.

uncover

Implies revealing something that was previously hidden or unknown.

ascertain

Emphasizes the process of determining something with certainty.

determine

Focuses on reaching a firm conclusion or decision.

come across

Suggests finding something unexpectedly or by chance.

stumble upon

Similar to "come across", but with a stronger implication of chance.

track down

Implies a deliberate and persistent effort to locate something.

ferret out

Suggests finding something through careful and persistent investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "find" in a sentence?

You can use "find" to describe locating something physical (e.g., "I need to find my keys") or discovering information (e.g., "I find that interesting").

What are some alternatives to "find" when describing a discovery?

You can use alternatives like "discover", "uncover", or "detect" to add nuance to your writing.

Is there a difference between "find" and "discover"?

"Find" generally implies locating something that already exists, while "discover" suggests learning something new or previously unknown.

Which is correct: "find out" or "find it out"?

"Find out" is the correct idiomatic expression to use when you mean to learn or discover something. "Find it out" is grammatically awkward and should be avoided.