What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discover
Example
The explorers discovered a new species of bird in the rainforest. [discover: verb]
Example
The detective discovered evidence that led to the suspect's arrest. [discovered: past tense]
Example
I discovered my love for cooking after taking a class. [discovering: gerund or present participle]
find
Example
I found my keys under the couch. [found: past tense]
Example
She found a $20 bill on the sidewalk. [find: verb]
Example
I need to find a new job soon. [find: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Find is more commonly used than discover in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. However, discover is more commonly used in academic or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discover and find?
Discover is generally considered more formal than find, as it is often used in academic or scientific writing. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
