Resolviendo problemas con 'Figure Out'
figure out para expresar con confianza que estás resolviendo problemas y entendiendo ideas complejas!
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'figure out' when you need to solve a problem or understand something through mental effort and logic.
- Use it for mental solutions: 'I figured out the answer.' (max 20 words)
- It is separable: 'Figure it out' is correct, but 'Figure out it' is wrong.
- Focus on the process: It implies you thought hard to find the result.
Overview
figure out algo. Es esa sensación satisfactoria de «¡Ajá!» cuando las piezas de un rompecabezas finalmente encajan.Figure out es uno de los más útiles que aprenderás jamás.figuring cosas out.How This Grammar Works
figure, y la pieza de conexión, out. Juntas, crean un significado totalmente nuevo que no tiene nada que ver con dibujar figuras (¡que es lo que figure suele significar!).figure out sea especial es que es separable. Esta es una forma elegante de decir que puedes poner lo que estás resolviendo justo en medio de las dos palabras. Puedes decir figure out the password o figure the password out.it, them o her, debe ir en el medio.figure it out.
Formation Pattern
figure out (para hábitos o hechos generales)
figured out (para cosas que resolviste ayer)
figuring out (para cosas que estás resolviendo ahora mismo)
figure out the bill. | Calculo la cuenta. |
figured out the code. | Descifré el código. |
figure it out | resolverlo / entenderlo |
When To Use It
figure out es tu mejor amigo.- Tecnología: "I can't
figure outhow to turn off these notifications!" (¡No entiendo cómo apagar estas notificaciones!) - Vida social: "I'm trying to
figure outif he likes me." (Intento entender si le gusto.)
Common Mistakes
- 1La trampa del
It: Nunca digasfigure out it. Siempre esfigure it out. - 2Confundirlo con
Find out: Usamosfind outpara información que descubrimos sin mucho esfuerzo. Usamosfigure outcuando tenemos que pensar para llegar a la solución.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Understand: Es el término general.
Figure outtrata más sobre el proceso de llegar a ese entendimiento. - Find out: Para descubrimientos simples.
I
found outthe library is closed.
Quick FAQ
P: ¿Es formal o informal?
R: ¡Es neutral! Puedes usarlo con un amigo o con tu jefe.
P: ¿Puedo usarlo para personas?
R: Sí, significa que entiendes sus motivaciones secretas.
Conjugating 'Figure Out'
| Tense | Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
I / You / We / They
|
figure out
|
I figure out the puzzle.
|
|
Present Simple
|
He / She / It
|
figures out
|
She figures out the cost.
|
|
Past Simple
|
All subjects
|
figured out
|
They figured it out.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
I
|
am figuring out
|
I am figuring it out now.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
He / She
|
has figured out
|
He has figured out the way.
|
|
Future
|
All subjects
|
will figure out
|
We will figure it out later.
|
Separability Patterns
| Object Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Noun
|
Figure [Noun] Out
|
Figure the answer out.
|
|
Noun
|
Figure Out [Noun]
|
Figure out the answer.
|
|
Pronoun
|
Figure [Pronoun] Out
|
Figure it out. (Correct)
|
|
Pronoun
|
Figure Out [Pronoun]
|
Figure out it. (Incorrect)
|
Meanings
To reach an understanding or find a solution to a problem by thinking about it deeply or performing calculations.
Solving a puzzle/problem
To find the answer to a specific question or technical issue.
“Can you figure out this math problem?”
“We need to figure out why the car won't start.”
Understanding someone's behavior
To comprehend the reasons behind a person's actions or personality.
“I can't figure him out; he's so mysterious.”
“She's hard to figure out because she never talks about herself.”
Calculating amounts
To compute a total or a cost using mathematics.
“We need to figure out the total cost of the wedding.”
“I'm trying to figure out how much tax I owe.”
Planning a method
To decide on a course of action or a way to achieve a goal.
“Let's figure out a way to get there by 5 PM.”
“They are figuring out how to expand the business.”
Reference Table
| Estructura | Tipo de Objeto | Ejemplo | Significado | Notas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
figure out + Noun
|
Noun
|
I need to figure out the puzzle.
|
Resolver/entender un problema
|
El sustantivo también puede ir en medio: 'figure the puzzle out'.
|
|
figure + Noun + out
|
Noun
|
I need to figure the puzzle out.
|
Resolver/entender un problema
|
Común, especialmente con frases nominales más cortas.
|
|
figure + Pronoun + out
|
Pronoun (it, them)
|
Can you figure it out?
|
Resolver/entender un problema
|
El pronombre *debe* ir en medio.
|
|
figure out + how to + Verb
|
Infinitive clause
|
We figured out how to fix the Wi-Fi.
|
Descubrir un método o proceso
|
Muy común para aprender habilidades.
|
|
figure out + Question Word
|
Question clause
|
She figured out why it broke.
|
Entender la razón/detalles
|
Incluye 'what', 'where', 'when', 'who', 'how'.
|
|
figure out + (a) solution/plan
|
Noun phrase
|
Let's figure out a solution quickly.
|
Idear un plan o resolución
|
A menudo usado en discusiones para resolver problemas.
|
|
figure out + someone
|
Person (object)
|
It took time to figure out my new boss.
|
Entender la personalidad/motivos de alguien
|
Menos común pero perfectamente válido.
|
|
figure out (intransitive)
|
None (implied object)
|
Don't worry, I'll figure out.
|
Resolver la situación (objeto implícito)
|
Usado cuando el objeto es claro por el contexto.
|
Espectro de formalidad
We must ascertain the cause of the discrepancy. (Workplace problem)
We need to figure out what went wrong. (Workplace problem)
Let's figure this out. (Workplace problem)
Gotta suss it out. (Workplace problem)
Formas de 'Figure Out'
Qué puedes 'Figure Out'
- a solution una forma de resolver algo
- how to + Verb el método para hacer algo
- a person su personalidad/motivaciones
Cuándo lo usas
- Complex problems Rompecabezas, ecuaciones matemáticas
- New situations Aprender una app nueva, un trabajo nuevo
- Hidden meanings Mensajes crípticos, señales sutiles
Tabla Comparativa: 'Figure Out' vs. 'Find Out'
Diagrama de Flujo: Usando 'Figure Out': Un Diagrama de Decisión
¿Necesitas resolver un problema o entender algo pensando?
¿Es el objeto un pronombre (it, them)?
Rejilla de Categorías: Usos Cotidianos de 'Figure Out'
Problemas Tecnológicos
- • Entender una app nueva
- • Entender por qué el Wi-Fi no funciona
- • Entender cómo usar una función
Situaciones Sociales
- • Entender lo que alguien quiso decir
- • Entender el humor de un amigo
- • Organizar un plan en grupo
Académico/Laboral
- • Resolver un problema de matemáticas
- • Elaborar una estrategia para un proyecto
- • Entender un texto complejo
Vida Diaria
- • Entender cómo armar muebles
- • Encontrar la mejor ruta
- • Entender una receta
Ejemplos por nivel
I can figure out the answer.
I can find the answer using my brain.
Can you figure it out?
Can you solve it?
He figures out the game.
He understands how to play.
We figured out the price.
We calculated the cost.
I need to figure out the bus schedule.
I need to understand the bus times.
She couldn't figure out the instructions.
She didn't understand the manual.
Let's figure out where to eat.
Let's decide on a restaurant.
Did you figure them out?
Did you solve the problems?
I'm trying to figure out why the computer is slow.
I am investigating the cause of the slow computer.
It took me ages to figure out her true intentions.
It took a long time to understand what she really wanted.
We have to figure out a way to save money.
We must find a method for saving.
Once you figure it out, it's actually quite easy.
After you understand the process, it is simple.
Scientists are still figuring out the long-term effects.
Researchers are still analyzing the future consequences.
I've finally figured out how to balance work and life.
I have discovered the solution to my schedule issues.
He's a tough nut to crack, but I'll figure him out eventually.
He is difficult to understand, but I will succeed.
The detective figured out the motive behind the crime.
The investigator deduced the reason for the act.
It's imperative that we figure out the logistical bottlenecks.
We must identify and solve the supply chain issues.
The nuances of the treaty are difficult to figure out.
The subtle details of the agreement are hard to grasp.
I can't quite figure out what he's hinting at.
I am unable to decipher his subtext.
Having figured out the algorithm, she optimized the code.
After understanding the logic, she improved the program.
The philosopher spent his life figuring out the nature of being.
The thinker dedicated his time to understanding existence.
One might never truly figure out the labyrinthine bureaucracy of this city.
It is possible to never understand the complex systems here.
The sheer complexity of the data makes it impossible to figure out at a glance.
The data is too hard to understand immediately.
She has an uncanny ability to figure out people's weaknesses.
She is exceptionally good at identifying flaws in others.
Fácil de confundir
Learners use 'figure out' for any new information they get.
These are almost identical and often interchangeable.
Learners think 'solve' is always better because it's a single word.
Errores comunes
I figure out it.
I figure it out.
I figure out my keys.
I found my keys.
He figure out.
He figures out.
I figured out to the answer.
I figured out the answer.
I am figure out the problem.
I am figuring out the problem.
I figured out that he is here.
I found out that he is here.
Can you figure out me?
Can you figure me out?
I figured out how do it.
I figured out how to do it.
The answer was figured out by me.
I figured out the answer.
I figured out the solution of the problem.
I figured out the solution to the problem.
I figured out to solve the issue.
I figured out how to solve the issue.
Patrones de oraciones
I finally figured out ___.
It's hard to figure out ___.
We need to figure out a way to ___.
Have you figured out ___ yet?
Real World Usage
I can't figure out why my laptop won't connect to the printer.
I'm good at figuring out creative solutions to complex problems.
I really like her, but I can't figure her out yet.
Did you figure out the answer to question five?
We need to figure out which train goes to the airport.
Lmk when u figure it out.
Piensa en 'Esfuerzo Mental'
figure out cuando necesitas aplicar tu mente o deducción para entender o resolver algo. Implica un proceso, no conocimiento instantáneo, como cuando intentas resolver un crucigrama. I need to figure out this tricky crossword puzzle.
¡Pronombres en el Medio!
it, them), *debe* ir entre figure y out. Nunca digas figure out it; suena antinatural e incorrecto. "I can't figure it out!"Prueba el 'Test del Porqué'
figure out es tu frase ideal. A menudo le sigue why, what, how to, etc., indicando una búsqueda de explicación. I need to figure out how to assemble this furniture.
El 'Solucionador' Universal
figure out es una forma súper común y natural de expresar la resolución de problemas en culturas de habla inglesa. Lo escucharás en todas partes, ¡desde conversaciones en cafeterías hasta entrevistas de trabajo! "Don't worry, we'll figure it out together."Smart Tips
Say 'I'm trying to figure this out' instead of 'I'm doing this math'. It sounds more like you are actively solving it.
Imagine the pronoun is a sandwich filling and 'figure' and 'out' are the bread. The filling must stay inside!
Use 'figure out' with 'logistics' or 'strategy'.
Use 'can't figure [person] out'. It's a very common idiomatic way to express confusion.
Pronunciación
Stress on 'Out'
In phrasal verbs like 'figure out', the stress usually falls on the particle 'out', not the verb 'figure'.
Linking
The 'r' in 'figure' often links smoothly to the 'o' in 'out', sounding like 'fig-yer-out'.
Rising on 'Out'
Did you figure it OUT? ↗
Conveys curiosity or surprise.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of the 'Figure' as a number and 'Out' as the result of a math problem.
Asociación visual
Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking at a giant number '8'. He is trying to 'figure' out the mystery of the number.
Rhyme
If a problem makes you shout, take some time to figure it out!
Story
A student was staring at a broken robot. He looked at the wires (the figures) and pulled one 'out'. Suddenly, he understood! He had figured it out.
Word Web
Desafío
Look at a piece of technology in your room. Try to explain in English how to 'figure out' how to change its settings.
Notas culturales
'Figure out' is extremely common in the US, especially in 'can-do' culture where problem-solving is highly valued.
While 'figure out' is used, 'work out' is often a more common alternative in the UK for the same meaning.
Using 'figure out' in a meeting shows you are taking initiative. It is seen as a positive, proactive phrase.
The word 'figure' comes from the Latin 'figura' (shape/form). In the 14th century, it referred to numerical symbols.
Inicios de conversación
Have you ever had a problem with your computer that you couldn't figure out?
Who is the most difficult person you've ever had to figure out?
Can you figure out the best way to learn 50 new words a week?
If you were lost in a new city without a phone, how would you figure out where to go?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
I need to ____ how to use this new software for my assignment.
Figure out how toes la frase correcta para entender un método o proceso mediante el esfuerzo mental.
Find and fix the mistake:
Can you figure out it for me? I'm really stuck.
it deben colocarse entre figure y out en los phrasal verbs separables. ¡Este es un error común al que hay que prestar atención!Choose the correct sentence:
figure out + noun y figure + noun + out son ambas gramaticalmente correctas y ampliamente utilizadas.Translate into English: 'Ella no puede descifrar el significado de la canción que escuchamos.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Figure out the meaninges una colocación común para expresar la comprensión del sentido o la interpretación de algo.
Score: /4
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesWhich sentence is grammatically correct?
It took me an hour to figure ___ the answer.
Find and fix the mistake:
I figured out that the bus was late by asking the driver.
out / we / it / will / figure
Match the following:
No puedo entenderlo (usando 'figure out').
A: This IKEA desk is impossible to build! B: Don't worry, ___.
You can use 'figure out' for finding your lost car keys.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesI need to ____ a way to get to the airport on time for my flight.
It took them a long time to ____ the instructions for assembling the bookshelf.
He figured quickly out why his computer wasn't working.
We still haven't figured out where is the problem.
Which sentence uses 'figure out' correctly?
Choose the best option:
Translate into English: '¿Pudiste descifrar la contraseña del Wi-Fi para conectarte?'
Translate into English: 'Estoy intentando entender por qué mi planta se está muriendo.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Rearrange the words to form a question:
Match the beginning of the phrases with their correct endings:
Match the use cases with the best 'figure out' structure:
Score: /12
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Yes, you can! With a noun like `the answer`, you can put it at the end or in the middle.
They are very similar. `Work out` is more common in British English and also means to exercise at the gym.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in neutral and semi-formal business contexts.
In English, separable phrasal verbs require pronouns to be placed between the verb and the particle.
No. While it can mean 'calculate', it more often means 'understand' or 'solve' non-numerical problems.
Yes, it means to understand someone's personality or why they are acting a certain way.
Yes, `solve`, `calculate`, or `comprehend` are good synonyms depending on the context.
The past tense is `figured out`. It is a regular verb.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Averiguar / Resolver
English distinguishes between the mental process (figure out) and the final result (solve).
Résoudre / Comprendre
French lacks the 'separable' grammar structure of English phrasal verbs.
Herausfinden / Ausrechnen
The logic of adding a particle to a verb is very similar to English.
Kaiketsu suru / Wakaru
Japanese verbs do not separate to place objects in the middle.
Yastantij / Yahul
Arabic uses prefixes and suffixes rather than separate particles like 'out'.
Nòng mǐngbái / Xiǎng chūlái
The Chinese 'chūlái' (come out) functions very similarly to the English 'out' in this context.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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