Résoudre les problèmes avec 'Figure Out'
résous des problèmeset que tu
comprends des idéescompliquées !
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 quelque chose. C'est ce sentiment satisfaisant de « Eurêka ! » quand les pièces d'un puzzle s'emboîtent enfin.Figure out est l'un des plus utiles que vous apprendrez jamais.figure out des choses.How This Grammar Works
figure, et la pièce de connexion, out. Ensemble, elles créent une toute nouvelle signification qui n'a rien à voir avec le dessin de figures (ce que figure signifie habituellement !).figure out spécial est qu'il est séparable. C'est une façon chic de dire que vous pouvez placer l'objet que vous résolvez juste au milieu des deux mots. Vous pouvez dire figure out the password ou figure the password out.it, them ou her, il doit aller au milieu.figure it out.
Formation Pattern
figure out (pour les habitudes ou les faits généraux)
figured out (pour les choses résolues hier)
figuring out (pour les choses que vous résolvez en ce moment)
figure out the bill. | Je calcule l'addition. |
figured out the code. | J'ai déchiffré le code. |
figure it out | le résoudre / le comprendre |
When To Use It
figure out est votre meilleur allié.- Technologie : « I can't
figure outhow to turn off these notifications! » (Je n'arrive pas à comprendre comment désactiver ces notifications !) - Vie sociale : « I'm trying to
figure outif he likes me. » (J'essaie de comprendre si je lui plais.)
Common Mistakes
- 1Le piège du
It: Ne dites jamaisfigure out it. C'est toujoursfigure it out. - 2Confondre avec
Find out: On utilisefind outpour une information découverte sans effort. On utilisefigure outquand on doit réfléchir pour trouver la solution.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
- Understand : C'est le terme général.
Figure outconcerne davantage le processus pour parvenir à cette compréhension. - Find out : Pour les découvertes simples. « I
found outthe library is closed. »
Quick FAQ
R: C'est neutre ! Vous pouvez l'utiliser avec un ami ou votre patron.
R: Oui, cela signifie que vous comprenez leurs motivations secrètes.
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
| Structure | Type d'objet | Exemple | Signification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
figure out + Noun
|
Noun
|
I need to figure out the puzzle.
|
Résoudre/comprendre un problème
|
Le nom peut aussi être au milieu : 'figure the puzzle out'.
|
|
figure + Noun + out
|
Noun
|
I need to figure the puzzle out.
|
Résoudre/comprendre un problème
|
Commun, surtout avec des expressions nominales plus courtes.
|
|
figure + Pronoun + out
|
Pronoun (it, them)
|
Can you figure it out?
|
Résoudre/comprendre un problème
|
Le pronom *doit* être au milieu.
|
|
figure out + how to + Verb
|
Infinitive clause
|
We figured out how to fix the Wi-Fi.
|
Découvrir une méthode ou un processus
|
Très courant pour apprendre de nouvelles compétences.
|
|
figure out + Question Word
|
Question clause
|
She figured out why it broke.
|
Comprendre la raison/les détails
|
Inclut 'what', 'where', 'when', 'who', 'how'.
|
|
figure out + (a) solution/plan
|
Noun phrase
|
Let's figure out a solution quickly.
|
Élaborer un plan ou une solution
|
Souvent utilisé dans les discussions de résolution de problèmes.
|
|
figure out + someone
|
Person (object)
|
It took time to figure out my new boss.
|
Comprendre la personnalité/les motivations de quelqu'un
|
Moins commun mais parfaitement valide.
|
|
figure out (intransitive)
|
None (implied object)
|
Don't worry, I'll figure out.
|
Résoudre la situation (objet implicite)
|
Utilisé lorsque l'objet est clair d'après le contexte.
|
Spectre de formalité
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)
Façons de 'Figure Out'
Ce que tu Figures Out
- a solution une façon de résoudre quelque chose
- how to + Verb la méthode pour faire quelque chose
- a person sa personnalité/ses motivations
Quand tu l'utilises
- Complex problems Puzzles, équations mathématiques
- New situations Apprendre une nouvelle appli, nouveau travail
- Hidden meanings Messages cryptiques, signaux subtils
'Figure Out' vs. 'Find Out'
Utiliser 'Figure Out' : Un organigramme de décision
As-tu besoin de résoudre un problème ou de comprendre quelque chose en y réfléchissant ?
L'objet est-il un pronom (it, them) ?
Usages quotidiens de 'Figure Out'
Problèmes techniques
- • Comprendre une nouvelle application
- • Comprendre pourquoi le Wi-Fi ne marche pas
- • Comprendre comment utiliser une fonctionnalité
Situations sociales
- • Comprendre ce que quelqu'un voulait dire
- • Comprendre l'humeur d'un ami
- • Établir un plan de groupe
Académie/Travail
- • Résoudre un problème de maths
- • Établir une stratégie de projet
- • Comprendre un texte complexe
Vie quotidienne
- • Comprendre comment monter des meubles
- • Trouver le meilleur itinéraire
- • Comprendre une recette
Exemples par niveau
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.
Facile à confondre
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.
Erreurs courantes
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.
Structures de phrases
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.
Pense "effort mental"
I need to figure out how to assemble this new furniture.
Les pronoms, au milieu !
it, them), il *doit* se glisser entre figure et out. Ne dis jamais figure out it ; ça sonne faux et c'est incorrect. Can you help me figure it out?
Le test du "pourquoi"
pourquoi quelque chose se passe ou comment faire quelque chose, 'figure out' est souvent ton meilleur ami. Il est souvent suivi de why, what, how to, etc., pour chercher une explication. "I'm trying to figure out why my car won't start."Le solveur de problèmes universel
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.
Prononciation
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.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of the 'Figure' as a number and 'Out' as the result of a math problem.
Association visuelle
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
Défi
Look at a piece of technology in your room. Try to explain in English how to 'figure out' how to change its settings.
Notes culturelles
'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.
Amorces de conversation
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?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
I need to ____ how to use this new software for my assignment.
Find and fix the mistake:
Can you figure out it for me? I'm really stuck.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella no puede descifrar el significado de la canción que escuchamos.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Score: /4
Exercices pratiques
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
FAQ (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
Vidéos associées
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