What are the definitions of “puzzle out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To figure out or solve something.
Chen Lo Fann sat back a moment, trying to puzzle out what Ai was doing.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “puzzle out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb puzzle out is to figure out or solve something, usually a problem or a difficult situation. It means to think carefully and use your intelligence to understand or find a solution.
What are the different verb forms of “puzzle out”?
| Root Verb | puzzle out |
| Third Person Singular Present | puzzles out |
| Present Participle | puzzling out |
| Simple Past | puzzled out |
| Past Participle | puzzled out |
Example
She tried to puzzle out the meaning of the poem.
Example
He puzzles out the crossword clues every morning.
Example
They are puzzling out the best way to approach the project.
Example
Yesterday, she puzzled out the answer to the riddle.
Example
The detective puzzled out the mystery and found the culprit.
What kind of phrasal verb is “puzzle 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
“puzzle 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 puzzled out the solution to the problem.
Example
He puzzled the answer 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
“puzzle 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 puzzled out the solution to the problem.
Example
He puzzled the answer out after thinking for a while.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “puzzle out”?
Good things to know
Does “puzzle out” have an informal or formal tone?
Puzzle out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic discussions or professional situations.
