What are the definitions of “find out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Discover.
I went to the library to FIND OUT all I could about the life and work of Joe Meek.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “find out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb find out is to discover or learn new information. It is often used when someone wants to know something they didn't know before. For example, it can mean learning about a person's life, finding the answer to a question, or discovering a secret.
What are the different verb forms of “find out”?
| Root Verb | find out |
| Third Person Singular Present | finds out |
| Present Participle | finding out |
| Simple Past | found out |
| Past Participle | found out |
Example
I want to find out the truth about the situation.
Example
She finds out the answer to the puzzle quickly.
Example
He is finding out more about the history of the city.
Example
Yesterday, they found out that their favorite band was coming to town.
Example
The secret was found out by the detective.
What kind of phrasal verb is “find 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
“find 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 found out the truth about the situation.
Example
He found out the answer to the question.
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
“find 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 found out the truth about the situation.
Example
He found out the answer to the question.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “find out”?
Good things to know
Does “find out” have an informal or formal tone?
Find 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 research or professional investigations.
