“Find Out” and “Figure Out” are two phrases we often use when we’re talking about discovering information or understanding something. They might seem similar, but they’re used in different situations. Let’s dive into what each phrase means and how you can use them correctly.
What Does “Find Out” Mean?
“Find out” is a phrase we use when we discover information or learn something new, usually by asking someone or looking it up. Imagine you hear a noise in your backyard. You go outside and see a cute little cat. You didn’t know it was there until you looked. That’s “finding out.”
Examples of “Find Out”:
- Sarah will find out who won the game by checking the news.
- I need to find out what time the movie starts.
What Does “Figure Out” Mean?
On the other hand, “figure out” is about solving a problem or understanding something by thinking about it really hard. It’s like being a detective in your own mind. If you have a big puzzle, and you sit down to think about how the pieces fit together, when you solve it, you’ve “figured it out.”
Examples of “Figure Out”:
- Alex is trying to figure out how to fix the broken bike.
- Can you figure out this math problem?
Key Differences
The main difference between “find out” and “figure out” is how you get to the answer. If you “find out” something, the information comes to you from an outside source. But if you “figure out” something, you’re using your own brainpower to understand or solve it.
| Aspect | Find Out | Figure Out |
| Definition | To discover information or facts through investigation or by being informed. | To understand or solve something through thinking, reasoning, or calculation. |
| Method | Involves receiving or uncovering information that is already known or established by someone else. | Involves using one’s own reasoning, logic, or problem-solving skills to come to a conclusion or understanding. |
| Active/Passive | Often more passive, as it may involve being told information or discovering it through research. | More active, requiring mental effort to deduce or solve a problem. |
| Context | Commonly used when referring to discovering facts or information about a specific event, person, or subject. | Often used in the context of solving problems, puzzles, understanding complex ideas, or making sense of a situation. |
| Example Usage | “I need to find out who won the game last night.” | “I need to figure out how to fix this broken gadget.” |
Examples to Understand Better
Let’s dive into some examples to help clarify the difference between “find out” and “figure out.”
Find Out Examples
- She found out her exam results online.
- I need to find out who painted this beautiful picture.
- Can you find out the best route to the airport?
- I found out about the sale when I saw the advertisement.
- We found out that our favorite restaurant closed down.
- The detective found out the culprit’s identity by gathering evidence.
- You should find out the opening hours before we go.
- They found out about the secret party through a friend.
- He found out the truth about the incident by watching the news.
- She was excited to find out she had relatives in another country.
Figure Out Examples
- Can you figure out why the computer keeps crashing?
- He’s trying to figure out the best approach to the problem.
- They figured out a shortcut to get to the venue faster.
- We figured out a schedule that works for everyone.
- I figured out why my phone wasn’t charging properly.
- She figured out the theme of the poem after discussing it in class.
- Can you figure out this puzzle?
- She figured out a way to fix the leaky faucet herself.
- He figured out how to use the new software without any help.
- We need to figure out how many supplies we need for the project.
Mixed Examples (For Contextual Understanding)
- He found out there was a problem with the car and figured out it was the battery.
- We found out the museum was free on Sundays and figured out a plan to visit.
- We found out our flight was delayed and had to figure out how to spend the extra time at the airport.
- They found out the meeting was canceled and figured out how to reschedule their day.
- He found out his favorite author released a new book and figured out how to get a signed copy.
- After we found out about the storm warning, we had to figure out a safe place to stay.
- After finding out about the historical significance of the site, the students figured out its impact on modern culture.
- She found out her friend was moving away and then figured out how to stay in touch.
- I found out I was allergic to peanuts and had to figure out a new diet plan.
- She found out about a new hiking trail and figured out how to get there.
Must Try:
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