work to figure out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work to figure out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of trying to understand or solve a problem. Example: "We need to work to figure out the best approach to this issue before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It often took some work to figure out what, above all else, each senator cared about.

The New Yorker

Well, in those cases, yeah, you need to do more detective work to figure out what happened.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They'll probably cost around $5. Blockbuster is going to be doing the work to figure out exact prices.

The New York Times

He said Mr. Gates would work "to figure out how we collectively can prevent that from becoming a reality".

The New York Times

"But it is going to take a lot of work to figure out how to implement it into the schedule".

The Guardian

Typically, when businesses have trouble raising capital, it takes some work to figure out what the real issues are.

The New York Times

It's time to put on your deerstalker and get to work to figure out this complicated case.

The New York Times

What remains is an intriguing finding, and a lot more work to figure out what is going on.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cornell researchers are also working to figure out the relative importance of diseases versus pesticides.

Cornell University

Scientists are still working to figure out exactly what they're dealing with.

The New York Times - Science

Murphy's group is working to figure out how FKH-9 acts in distinct tissues to regulate such different processes.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work to figure out", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be understood or resolved. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While versatile, "work to figure out" can sound informal in certain academic or professional settings. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "investigate", "determine", or "analyze" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work to figure out" functions as a purpose connector, indicating an intention or effort aimed at achieving understanding or resolution. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Science & Research

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work to figure out" is a common phrase used to describe the process of trying to understand or solve something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain situations. The phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific sources, reflecting its widespread use in diverse fields. Remember to be specific about what needs to be understood or resolved when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to understand

Focuses on the intentional action taken to comprehend something.

dedicate effort to solving

Emphasizes commitment and resources put into finding a solution.

strive to determine

Highlights the effort made in reaching a conclusion.

exert effort to resolve

Similar to 'dedicate effort,' but perhaps with less commitment implied.

endeavor to ascertain

More formal and emphasizes a serious attempt to find something out.

make an attempt to discern

Highlights the preliminary attempt to understand something vague.

seek to clarify

Aims to make something clearer and easier to understand.

undertake to discover

Suggests taking on a project with the goal of finding something out.

take steps to resolve

Emphasizes actions taken to find a solution.

try to unravel

Suggests disentangling a complex issue.

FAQs

How can I use "work to figure out" in a sentence?

You can use "work to figure out" to describe an effort to understand or solve something. For example, "The team will "collaborate to figure out" the root cause of the problem".

What are some alternatives to "work to figure out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "strive to determine", "make an effort to understand", or "take steps to resolve".

When is it appropriate to use "work to figure out" in writing?

It's appropriate in many contexts, but consider the formality of your audience. In casual or informal writing, it's perfectly acceptable. For formal academic or professional writing, more precise alternatives might be preferable.

Is "work to figure out" too informal for professional communication?

It can be. While understandable, using stronger verbs like "analyze", "investigate", or "ascertain" may lend a more professional tone to your communication. Consider your audience and the level of formality required.