he figured out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he figured out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has successfully solved a problem or understood something after some thought or effort. Example: "After hours of trying to solve the puzzle, he figured out the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Years later, he figured out the truth.

The New Yorker

He figured out something else, too.

The New York Times

He figured out the problem soon enough.

The New York Times

And there, he figured out his future.

The New York Times

He figured out that you killed Danielle.

The New York Times - Magazine

He figured out how to do both.

The New York Times

He figured out how to do it all – clever man!

Stanford University

He figured out his own corrections as he went along.

The New Yorker

He figured out things and how to battle age.

The New York Times - Sports

Eventually, he figured out that she had a new boyfriend.

The New Yorker

Then he figured out how to compare them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he figured out", ensure the context clearly indicates what he discovered or solved. Be specific to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he figured out" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "he realized", "he understood", or "he discovered" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he figured out" functions as a verb phrase in the past tense. It typically describes the action of someone solving a problem, understanding a concept, or discovering new information, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he figured out" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of someone successfully solving a problem, understanding a concept, or discovering new information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in tone, variations like ""he understood"" or ""he realized"" may offer subtle differences in emphasis or formality. When using "he figured out", specificity and variety in vocabulary are key to maintaining clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he understood

Focuses on comprehension rather than the process of discovery.

he realized

Emphasizes a sudden awareness or understanding.

he discovered

Highlights the act of finding something previously unknown.

he solved

Specifically refers to finding a solution to a problem.

he worked out

Implies a process of reasoning and calculation to reach a solution.

he unraveled

Suggests a complex situation being clarified.

he determined

Emphasizes a firm conclusion reached after investigation.

he ascertained

Formal term for finding something out for certain.

he deduced

Implies reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.

he grasped

Focuses on the act of fully understanding something complex.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he figured out"?

You can use alternatives like ""he understood"", ""he realized"", or ""he discovered"" depending on the context.

How to use "he figured out" in a sentence?

Use "he figured out" to describe the process of someone solving a problem or understanding something after some thought. For example, "After hours of research, he figured out the solution to the problem."

What is the difference between "he figured out" and "he found out"?

"He figured out" implies a process of reasoning and problem-solving, whereas "he found out" simply means he learned something, possibly without any effort.

Is "he figured out" formal or informal?

"He figured out" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "he ascertained" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.