they figured out that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they figured out that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a process of understanding or discovering something after some thought or investigation. Example: "After several experiments, they figured out that the chemical reaction was more efficient at higher temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Finally they figured out that they were actually receiving transmissions from the European SOHO satellite.

The New York Times - Science

After developing they figured out that global warming was a big problem.

The Guardian

They figured out that DNA was a pair of strands twisted around each other.

The New York Times - Science

Eventually, they figured out that they went to the same high school in Cedar Hills, Utah.

The New York Times - Sports

They switched because they figured out that if all publishers withdrew their books Amazon's business was dead".

The New Yorker

They figured out that his hometown, Turlock, is about two hours from San Francisco, in California's Central Valley.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

They must've figured out that's where all the moms are.

Vice

Niemi's characters, conversely, grow up once they figure out that real life has surrounded them all along.

The New York Times - Books

By the time they figure out that they never see a single post from you, maybe they'll be mature enough to handle it.

The New York Times

(By the end of the day, they figure out that he or she has no power, but then you're back at school anyway).

The New York Times

Give them something that you know won't work, and when they figure out that it won't work, tell them they're wrong.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they figured out that" when you want to emphasize a process of reasoning or problem-solving that led to a specific conclusion. For example, "After analyzing the data, they figured out that the new strategy was working."

Common error

While "they figured out that" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, it can sound too informal for academic or highly professional writing. In those cases, consider alternatives like "they determined that" or "they concluded that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they figured out that" functions as a reporting clause or reporting verb phrase used to introduce a statement or discovery that a group of people has made. It indicates a process of understanding or deduction, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they figured out that" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a statement of discovery or understanding. While versatile, it is more suitable for neutral or informal contexts and should be used cautiously in formal writing, as Ludwig AI confirms. Alternatives such as "they realized that" or "they determined that" may be more appropriate for formal settings. Its frequent occurrence in news and media sources underscores its role in conveying how conclusions have been reached.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they realized that

Replaces "figured out" with "realized", indicating a sudden awareness or understanding.

they found out that

A more informal way of saying "they discovered that".

they discovered that

Substitutes "figured out" with "discovered", suggesting a more investigative or explorative process.

they understood that

Replaces "figured out" with "understood", implying a comprehension of the matter.

they determined that

Substitutes "figured out" with "determined", indicating a more formal and conclusive finding.

they recognized that

Replaces "figured out" with "recognized", suggesting an acknowledgement of a previously known or existing fact.

they ascertained that

Replaces "figured out" with "ascertained", suggesting a careful and thorough investigation leading to a certain conclusion.

they became aware that

Implies a gradual process of becoming conscious or informed about something.

they came to the conclusion that

Expresses the idea of arriving at a conclusion after a period of thought or analysis.

it dawned on them that

Implies a gradual realization or understanding of something.

FAQs

What does "they figured out that" mean?

The phrase "they figured out that" means that a group of people or individuals came to understand or realize something after a period of thought, investigation, or problem-solving. It suggests a process of discovery or comprehension.

What can I say instead of "they figured out that"?

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

Is "they figured out that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they figured out that" might sound too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "they determined that" or "they concluded that" in those situations.

How can I use "they figured out that" in a sentence?

You can use "they figured out that" to introduce a conclusion or understanding that a group of people reached. For example: "After conducting extensive research, they figured out that the new drug was effective."