he found out that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he found out that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone discovering something through investigation or research. For example: "He found out that his neighbor was the one responsible for the strange noises coming from his house late at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He found out that wasn't true while working on a local candidate's campaign several years ago.

The New York Times

"I said to myself, 'This whole place must work on solar power.' " Then he found out that was not true.

The New York Times

Later that evening he found out that the IRB disagreed.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally he found out that it was a puzzle.

The New Yorker

The following January he found out that he had been admitted to Balliol College at Oxford.

The New Yorker

But then he found out that the supplies weren't getting to the people who needed it.

The New Yorker

To his surprise, he found out that he now had a lawyer in Mr. Watts.

The New York Times

He found out that he'd be starting Friday night's match against the University of Illinois.

The New York Times

When he found out that she was pregnant, he called a midwife.

The New Yorker

Last Thursday, he said, he found out that the statue was stuck in New York.

The New York Times

Later, he found out that flies have a very short life span.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure to avoid monotony. Instead of always starting sentences with "he found out that", try using alternative phrases like "he discovered that" or "he learned that".

Common error

Avoid using "he found out that" excessively in passive constructions. For example, instead of "it was found out by him that...", prefer the active voice: "he found out that...", for clearer and more direct writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he found out that" functions as a clause introducer. It connects a subject (he) to the discovery of a fact or piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts, acting as a bridge between the person and the information they uncovered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he found out that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for reporting a discovery or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's most prevalent in News & Media sources, reflecting its role in conveying information and narratives. While synonyms like "he discovered that" or "he learned that" exist, "he found out that" remains a versatile and widely understood way to communicate how someone came to know something. Be mindful of context to choose the most appropriate alternative for style and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he discovered that

Implies a process of uncovering or learning something, similar to finding out, but can suggest more deliberate investigation.

he learned that

A more general term for gaining knowledge, which can encompass both formal and informal learning experiences.

he realized that

Suggests a sudden understanding or awareness of something, often after a period of confusion or ignorance.

he understood that

Indicates comprehension of a concept or situation, implying a deeper level of processing than simply finding out.

he came to know that

A more formal and sometimes literary way of expressing that someone learned something.

he ascertained that

Implies a careful and thorough investigation to establish a fact or truth.

he determined that

Suggests a more conclusive and often official finding, as after an investigation or analysis.

it came to his attention that

Indicates that information was brought to his awareness, often by someone else.

he was informed that

Emphasizes the role of an external source in providing the information.

he gathered that

Suggests forming an understanding based on indirect evidence or clues.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he found out that"?

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

How to use "he found out that" in a sentence?

Use "he found out that" to introduce a piece of information that someone has learned or discovered, for example: "He found out that the meeting had been postponed".

Is "he found out that" formal or informal?

"He found out that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. More formal alternatives exist, such as "he ascertained that", but "he found out that" is widely acceptable.

What's the difference between "he found out that" and "he learned that"?

While similar, "he learned that" is a broader term for gaining knowledge, while "he found out that" typically implies discovering a specific piece of information, often through investigation or by chance.