What are the definitions of “figure out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find the answer to a problem.
The police couldn't FIGURE OUT how the burglars had got into the warehouse.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “figure out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb figure out is to find the answer to a problem or understand something that was previously unclear. It is often used when solving puzzles, understanding complex concepts, or making sense of a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “figure out”?
| Root Verb | figure out |
| Third Person Singular Present | figures out |
| Present Participle | figuring out |
| Simple Past | figured out |
| Past Participle | figured out |
Example
I need to figure out how to solve this math problem.
Example
She figures out the solution to the riddle quickly.
Example
He is figuring out the best way to approach the situation.
Example
Yesterday, they figured out the cause of the issue.
Example
The problem has been figured out and resolved.
What kind of phrasal verb is “figure out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“figure out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She figured out the answer to the question.
Example
He figured the solution out after thinking for a while.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“figure out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She figured out the answer to the question.
Example
He figured the solution out after thinking for a while.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “figure out”?
Good things to know
Does “figure out” have an informal or formal tone?
Figure out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as academic or professional discussions.
