find out

USAGE SUMMARY

"find out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a phrasal verb meaning to "discover or learn something." For example, "I'm trying to find out what happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Find out for free.

Independent

RT to find out!

Independent

Find out in India.

The New York Times - Travel

"Wanda's gonna find out".

The New Yorker

Who would find out?

The New York Times

Find out more (Fifa) .

BBC

Find out more (FourFourTwo) .

BBC

Find out more here.

The Guardian

Find out how.

Science Magazine

Find out here.

The Economist

"If not, find out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience, consider alternatives like "ascertain" or "determine" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "find out" without a clear indication of what needs to be discovered. Ensure your sentence provides sufficient context for the reader to understand the information being sought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of discovering or learning something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in English. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from casual inquiries to more formal investigations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

33%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "find out" is a versatile and commonly used way to express the act of discovering or learning something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in English. While suitable for various contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. This guide highlights its primary function, communicative purpose, and appropriate register, along with practical writing tips and common errors to avoid. With its frequent occurrence in News & Media and Wiki sources, "find out" remains a valuable part of everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learn

This alternative is a simpler and more general term for gaining knowledge or information.

discover

This alternative is a single-word synonym that is more formal and direct.

ascertain

This alternative is a more formal and precise term for finding something out, often used in professional or academic contexts.

determine

This alternative emphasizes the act of establishing something definitively, implying a more conclusive finding.

uncover

This alternative implies revealing something that was previously hidden or unknown.

detect

This alternative suggests discovering something, often something not easily noticeable.

reveal

This alternative highlights the act of making something known, often something surprising or important.

investigate

This alternative suggests a more thorough and systematic process of finding information.

get to know

This alternative is a more colloquial expression, emphasizing familiarity through discovery.

dig up

This alternative suggests uncovering information through persistent effort, often implying something concealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "find out" to describe the process of discovering information, for example: "I need to "find out" when the meeting starts" or "Let's "find out" more about this topic".

What are some alternatives to "find out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "discover", "learn", "ascertain", or "determine". Each has a slightly different nuance.

Is "find out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "find out" is acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "ascertain" or "determine" might be more suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "find out" and "discover"?

"Find out" implies a process of learning or uncovering information, while "discover" suggests a more sudden or unexpected finding. "I want to "find out" about the history of the castle" versus "I "discovered" a hidden room in the castle".