B1 Prepositions 12 min read Medium

Solving problems with 'Figure Out'

Master figure out to confidently express solving problems and understanding complex ideas!
Mark as Learned
Practice it

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.
🧠 + 🔍 = 💡 (Subject + figure + [object] + out)

Overview

"Figure out" is a common phrase. It means you think to find an answer.

When you figure out something, you are actively thinking, analyzing, calculating, or applying logic to move from a state of confusion to a state of clarity.

"Out" means the answer was hidden. Now you understand it.

Use it for problems and for learning new things.

Use it for puzzles or big plans. It is a very good phrase.

How This Grammar Works

You can use "figure out" in two ways.
You must figure out "something". Example: I figure out the rules.
You can put words in the middle or at the end.
Names can move. Small words like "it" stay in the middle.
If you use a name or a thing, you have two choices.
  1. 1...figure out the problem.
  2. 2...figure the problem out.
Both choices are correct. Long words usually go at the end.
Use words like "it" or "them" in the middle. This is a rule.
  • Correct: I finally figured it out.
  • Incorrect: I finally figured out it.
Why? Because these words are small and light.
Small words at the end sound bad. They sound better in the middle.

Formation Pattern

1
Watch where you put the word "out". It changes with your words.
2
1. With Noun Phrase Objects
3
You can move names. Putting names at the end is very common.
4
| Type of word | Way to say it | Example |
5
|:---------------|:-----------------------------------|:--------------------------------------------------------------|
6
| Names | figure out + [name] | Can you figure out this math? |
7
| | | I'm trying to figure out the total cost. |
8
| Names | figure + [name] + out | Can you figure this math out? |
9
| | | I'm trying to figure the total cost out. |
10
2. With Pronoun Objects
11
You must do this. Many people make mistakes here.
12
| Type of word | Way to say it | Example |
13
|:--------------|:-----------------------------|:--------------------------------------------------|
14
| Small words | figure + [word] + out | I can't figure it out. |
15
| | | Your reasons are unclear. I can't figure them out. |
16
| | | Have you figured this out yet? |
17
3. Using words like "what" and "how".
18
Use "figure out" with words like "what", "where", or "how".
19
| Structure | Example Usage |
20
|:----------------------------------|:------------------------------------------------------------------|
21
| figure out + [question] | He is figuring out where his keys are. |
22
| | We need to figure out what the client really wants. |
23
| figure out + how to | She figured out how to use the camera. |
24
| | Can you figure out how to assemble this chair? |
25
Use 'figure out' with 'if'. Example: Figure out if you have time.
26
Put the full idea after the word 'out'.

When To Use It

Use 'figure out' for hard thinking. Use it when you solve problems.
  1. 1Solving a Problem, Puzzle, or Mystery
Use 'figure out' when you think hard to find an answer.
  • The detective spent weeks trying to figure out who committed the crime.
  • It took me an hour, but I finally figured out the last question on the sudoku puzzle.
  • My computer keeps crashing, and I can't figure out why.
  1. 1Understanding Something Complex or Confusing
Use it for hard things. Use it when you want to understand.
  • I'm reading this philosophy book, but I'm struggling to figure out what the author means.
  • I can't figure him out. One minute he's friendly, and the next he's completely silent. (A very common use for people).
  1. 1Devising a Method, Plan, or Strategy
When you need to decide how to do something, figure out is ideal. This is about creating a process or finding a solution path where one isn't obvious.
  • We need to figure out how to get to the conference on time with all this traffic.
  • Let's figure out a way to split the work so we can finish faster.
  1. 1Calculating or Determining an Amount
Use 'figure out' for math. Use it to count or guess numbers.
  • Could you help me figure out the tip? It should be about 20%.
  • Based on our spending, I figured out that we can save about $300 a month.

When Not To Use It

Use the right word. 'Figure out' is different from 'learn' or 'see'.
  1. 1For Instantaneous Understanding (Use understand or get)
Do not use 'figure out' for easy things.
  • Incorrect: The joke was in my native language, so I figured it out immediately.
  • Correct: The joke was in my native language, so I understood it immediately.
  1. 1For Discovering a Fact (Use find out)
'Find out' means to get new info. 'Figure out' means thinking hard.
  • Incorrect: I figured out that the flight was delayed by looking at the departures board.
  • Correct: I found out that the flight was delayed by looking at the departures board.
  • Reasoning: You simply received the information; you did not deduce the delay through your own analysis.
  1. 1For Physically Locating an Object (Use find)
While you might figure out where your lost keys might be by retracing your steps (a mental process), the action of seeing and retrieving them is to find them.
  • Incorrect: After searching for an hour, I figured out my glasses on the kitchen counter.
  • Correct: After searching for an hour, I found my glasses on the kitchen counter.
  1. 1For Making a Choice or Decision (Use decide)
Use 'decide' for choices. Use 'figure out' to think about results.
  • Incorrect: Have you figured out which movie you want to watch?
  • Correct: Have you decided which movie you want to watch?

Common Mistakes

Do not make these mistakes. Your English will be better.
  1. 1Incorrect Pronoun Placement
Put 'it' or 'me' in the middle. Say 'figure it out'.
  • Incorrect: The instructions are confusing. I can't figure out them.
  • Correct: The instructions are confusing. I can't figure them out.
  1. 1Confusing figure out and find out
Remember the difference. 'Figure out' is work. 'Find out' is news.
| Verb | Meaning | Example |
|:-------------|:------------------------------------|:---------------------------------------------|
| figure out | To solve through mental effort | I figured out the answer to the riddle. |
| find out | To get new news | I found out my friend is married. |
  1. 1Omitting the Particle out
Do not forget 'out'. 'Figure' and 'figure out' are different words.
  • Incorrect: I need to figure the solution.
  • Correct: I need to figure out the solution. or I need to figure the solution out.
  1. 1Using a Gerund (-ing form) Directly After
Do not use '-ing' words after 'figure out'. Use 'how to' instead.
  • Incorrect: I need to figure out using this software.
  • Correct: I need to figure out how to use this software.

Common Collocations

Use 'figure out' with words like 'why', 'how', or 'what'.
  • Trying to figure out: I'm trying to figure out if this is the right way.
  • Need to figure out: We need to figure out a better system.
  • Can't figure out: I can't figure out this new remote control.
  • Finally figured out: She finally figured out how the machine works.
  • Figure out a way: He's trying to figure out a way to get a promotion.
  • Figure out what/how/why: Let's figure out what went wrong.
  • Figure out a plan/solution: The team gathered to figure out a plan.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Many words mean solve or fix. Learn the small differences.
| Word | What it means | Example |
|:--------------|:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|:---------------------------------------------------------|
| figure out | Think hard to solve a problem | I must figure out the problem. |
| work out | Calculation/Resolution: Often interchangeable with figure out for problems (esp. in BrE). Also used for calculating numbers, for things resolving successfully (it all worked out), and for physical exercise.
| Can you work out the total bill? (Calculate)Don't worry, things will work out. (Resolve)He works out three times a week. (Exercise) |
| sort out | Action & Organization: The practical process of fixing a problem, organizing things, or arranging something. It implies taking action after the thinking is done. You figure out the plan, then you sort out the details.
| I must sort out my desk (clean). Did you sort out the tickets (fix)? |
| make out | To see or hear something that is not clear. |
The potential for confusing and embarrassing mistakes is high. | I could just make out a figure in the fog. (Perceive)It was too dark to make out the license plate number. |
Think of it this way: You figure out a solution in your head. You sort out a problem in the real world. You might work out the cost. And you make out a shape in the distance.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Is figure out formal or informal?
  • A: It is generally considered neutral to informal. It's perfectly acceptable in most daily conversations, emails, and general business contexts. For very formal or academic writing, you might choose a more formal verb like determine, ascertain, resolve, or deduce.
  • Q: Can I use figure out to talk about people?
  • A: Yes, absolutely. To figure someone out is a very common expression meaning to understand their personality, motivations, or behavior. For example, I've known him for years, but I still can't figure him out.
  • Q: Is there any meaning difference between figure out the problem and figure the problem out?
  • A: There is no difference in the literal meaning. The choice is stylistic. With very long and complex noun phrases, it's almost always better to keep the verb and particle together to avoid an awkward sentence structure. Compare I need to figure out the series of events that led to the system failure. versus the clumsy I need to figure the series of events that led to the system failure out.
  • Q: What is the past tense of figure out?
  • A: The past tense is figured out. Since figure is a regular verb, you just add -d. Example: Yesterday, we finally figured out a solution.

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.

1

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.”

2

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.”

3

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.”

4

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

Reference table for Solving problems with 'Figure Out'
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + figure + out + object
I figured out the code.
Negative
Subject + do not + figure + out
I don't figure out math easily.
Question
Do + subject + figure + out...?
Did you figure out the time?
With Pronoun
Subject + figure + it/them + out
We figured it out together.
With 'How'
Subject + figure + out + how...
I figured out how to swim.
Passive (Rare)
Object + be + figured out
The solution was figured out.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
We must ascertain the cause of the discrepancy.

We must ascertain the cause of the discrepancy. (Workplace problem)

Neutral
We need to figure out what went wrong.

We need to figure out what went wrong. (Workplace problem)

Informal
Let's figure this out.

Let's figure this out. (Workplace problem)

Slang
Gotta suss it out.

Gotta suss it out. (Workplace problem)

The Mind of 'Figure Out'

Figure Out

Math/Money

  • Calculations Total cost
  • Equations Math problems

People

  • Motives Why they did it
  • Personality Who they are

Logistics

  • Plans How to get there
  • Schedules Bus times

Figure Out vs. Find Out

Figure Out
Mental Effort Solving a puzzle
Calculation Doing math
Find Out
Discovery Hearing news
Information Checking a fact

Can I use 'Figure Out'?

1

Did you use your brain to solve it?

YES
Go to next step
NO
Use 'Find' or 'Find out'
2

Is the object a pronoun (it/them)?

YES
Put it in the middle: Figure it out
NO
Put it at the end: Figure out the answer

Common Objects for Figure Out

🧩

Problems

  • • Puzzles
  • • Errors
  • • Glitches
👤

People

  • • Behavior
  • • Intentions
  • • Moods
🔢

Numbers

  • • Taxes
  • • Tips
  • • Budgets
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

I can figure out the answer.

2

Can you figure it out?

3

He figures out the game.

4

We figured out the price.

1

I need to figure out the bus schedule.

2

She couldn't figure out the instructions.

3

Let's figure out where to eat.

4

Did you figure them out?

1

I'm trying to figure out why the computer is slow.

2

It took me ages to figure out her true intentions.

3

We have to figure out a way to save money.

4

Once you figure it out, it's actually quite easy.

1

Scientists are still figuring out the long-term effects.

2

I've finally figured out how to balance work and life.

3

He's a tough nut to crack, but I'll figure him out eventually.

4

The detective figured out the motive behind the crime.

1

It's imperative that we figure out the logistical bottlenecks.

2

The nuances of the treaty are difficult to figure out.

3

I can't quite figure out what he's hinting at.

4

Having figured out the algorithm, she optimized the code.

1

The philosopher spent his life figuring out the nature of being.

2

One might never truly figure out the labyrinthine bureaucracy of this city.

3

The sheer complexity of the data makes it impossible to figure out at a glance.

4

She has an uncanny ability to figure out people's weaknesses.

Easily Confused

Solving problems with 'Figure Out' vs Figure out vs. Find out

Learners use 'figure out' for any new information they get.

Solving problems with 'Figure Out' vs Figure out vs. Work out

These are almost identical and often interchangeable.

Solving problems with 'Figure Out' vs Figure out vs. Solve

Learners think 'solve' is always better because it's a single word.

Common Mistakes

✗

I figure out it.

✓

I figure it out.

Pronouns must go in the middle of this phrasal verb.
✗

I figure out my keys.

✓

I found my keys.

Use 'find' for physical objects you lost. Use 'figure out' for mental problems.
✗

He figure out.

✓

He figures out.

Don't forget the 's' for third-person singular in the present tense.
✗

I figured out to the answer.

✓

I figured out the answer.

Do not use 'to' after 'figure out'. It is a transitive verb that takes a direct object.
✗

I am figure out the problem.

✓

I am figuring out the problem.

Continuous tense requires the -ing form.
✗

I figured out that he is here.

✓

I found out that he is here.

If you just learned a fact without thinking, use 'found out'.
✗

Can you figure out me?

✓

Can you figure me out?

Again, the pronoun 'me' must go in the middle.
✗

I figured out how do it.

✓

I figured out how to do it.

After 'how', you need an infinitive 'to do' or a subject + verb.
✗

The answer was figured out by me.

✓

I figured out the answer.

While grammatically possible, the passive voice is very unnatural for this verb.
✗

I figured out the solution of the problem.

✓

I figured out the solution to the problem.

This is a preposition error with 'solution', not 'figure out', but common in this context.
✗

I figured out to solve the issue.

✓

I figured out how to solve the issue.

You cannot follow 'figure out' directly with an infinitive.

Sentence Patterns

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

Tech Support constant

I can't figure out why my laptop won't connect to the printer.

Job Interview common

I'm good at figuring out creative solutions to complex problems.

Dating very common

I really like her, but I can't figure her out yet.

Math Class constant

Did you figure out the answer to question five?

Travel very common

We need to figure out which train goes to the airport.

Texting very common

Lmk when u figure it out.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

The 'It' Rule

Always say 'Figure it out'. If you say 'Figure out it', native speakers will immediately know you are a learner. It is the most common mistake.
⚠️

Not for Physical Finding

Don't use 'figure out' when you find your lost wallet. Use it only for things that require 'brain power'.
🎯

Use with 'How to'

A very natural way to use this is 'figure out how to [verb]'. It makes you sound very fluent in professional settings.
💬

British vs American

If you are in London, you might hear 'work out' more often. In New York, 'figure out' is king. Both are understood everywhere.

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.

I am doing the math. → I am figuring out the math.

Imagine the pronoun is a sandwich filling and 'figure' and 'out' are the bread. The filling must stay inside!

I will figure out them. → I will figure them out.

Use 'figure out' with 'logistics' or 'strategy'.

We need to think about the plan. → We need to figure out the logistics.

Use 'can't figure [person] out'. It's a very common idiomatic way to express confusion.

I don't understand him. → I can't figure him out.

Pronunciation

/ˌfɪɡjər ˈaʊt/

Stress on 'Out'

In phrasal verbs like 'figure out', the stress usually falls on the particle 'out', not the verb 'figure'.

fig-yer-out

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.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'Figure' as a number and 'Out' as the result of a math problem.

Visual Association

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

solveunderstandcalculatedecipherdeduceresolvecomprehend

Challenge

Look at a piece of technology in your room. Try to explain in English how to 'figure out' how to change its settings.

Cultural Notes

'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.

Conversation Starters

“

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?

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you figured out a difficult puzzle or game.
Describe a person you know who is hard to figure out.
Explain how you would figure out a budget for a trip to New York.
Discuss a global problem that scientists are trying to figure out.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Pronouns must go in the middle of separable phrasal verbs.
Fill in the missing word.

It took me an hour to figure ___ the answer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
The phrasal verb is 'figure out'.
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I figured out that the bus was late by asking the driver.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Since you got the information by asking (discovery), 'found out' is more appropriate than 'figured out'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
Subject + auxiliary + verb + pronoun + particle.
Match the context to the sentence. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: d
Figure out is used in all these contexts.
Translate to English. Translation

No puedo entenderlo (usando 'figure out').

Answer starts with: b...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
The pronoun 'him' must be in the middle.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: This IKEA desk is impossible to build! B: Don't worry, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
'Figure it out' is the natural response for solving a building puzzle.
Is this rule true or false? True False Rule

You can use 'figure out' for finding your lost car keys.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
False. Use 'find' for physical objects. Use 'figure out' for mental solutions.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Pronouns must go in the middle of separable phrasal verbs.
Fill in the missing word.

It took me an hour to figure ___ the answer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
The phrasal verb is 'figure out'.
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I figured out that the bus was late by asking the driver.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Since you got the information by asking (discovery), 'found out' is more appropriate than 'figured out'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

out / we / it / will / figure

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
Subject + auxiliary + verb + pronoun + particle.
Match the context to the sentence. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: d
Figure out is used in all these contexts.
Translate to English. Translation

No puedo entenderlo (usando 'figure out').

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
The pronoun 'him' must be in the middle.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: This IKEA desk is impossible to build! B: Don't worry, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
'Figure it out' is the natural response for solving a building puzzle.
Is this rule true or false? True False Rule

You can use 'figure out' for finding your lost car keys.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
False. Use 'find' for physical objects. Use 'figure out' for mental solutions.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the best option to complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

I need to ____ a way to get to the airport on time for my flight.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: figure out
Complete the sentence with the appropriate phrasal verb. Fill in the Blank

It took them a long time to ____ the instructions for assembling the bookshelf.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: figure out
Find and fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

He figured quickly out why his computer wasn't working.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He quickly figured out why his computer wasn't working.
Identify and correct the error in the following sentence. Error Correction

We still haven't figured out where is the problem.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We still haven't figured out where the problem is.
Select the correct sentence that uses 'figure out' properly. Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses 'figure out' correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I can't figure it out.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural-sounding? Multiple Choice

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They're trying to figure out if the new policy will benefit everyone.
Translate the Spanish sentence into natural English. Translation

Translate into English: '¿Pudiste descifrar la contraseña del Wi-Fi para conectarte?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Did you manage to figure out the Wi-Fi password to connect?","Were you able to figure out the Wi-Fi password to connect?"]
Translate into English, focusing on using 'figure out'. Translation

Translate into English: 'Estoy intentando entender por qué mi planta se está muriendo.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I'm trying to figure out why my plant is dying.","I am trying to figure out why my plant is dying."]
Arrange these words into a grammatically correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Can you help me figure out how to do it?
Put the words in the correct order to form a question. Sentence Reorder

Rearrange the words to form a question:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Didn't you figure out the solution?
Match each phrase part to complete a common 'figure out' collocation. Match Pairs

Match the beginning of the phrases with their correct endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Match the meaning to the correct 'figure out' construction. Match Pairs

Match the use cases with the best 'figure out' structure:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

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

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Averiguar / Resolver

English distinguishes between the mental process (figure out) and the final result (solve).

French low

Résoudre / Comprendre

French lacks the 'separable' grammar structure of English phrasal verbs.

German high

Herausfinden / Ausrechnen

The logic of adding a particle to a verb is very similar to English.

Japanese none

Kaiketsu suru / Wakaru

Japanese verbs do not separate to place objects in the middle.

Arabic low

Yastantij / Yahul

Arabic uses prefixes and suffixes rather than separate particles like 'out'.

Chinese partial

Nòng mǐngbái / Xiǎng chūlái

The Chinese 'chūlái' (come out) functions very similarly to the English 'out' in this context.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
The Phrasal Verb 'Point out': Showing & Telling
Next
Checking and Searching: Using 'Go Through'

Related Videos

How does leg lengthening surgery work? - Jason Shih Hoellwarth 05:47

How does leg lengthening surgery work? - Jason Shih Hoellwarth
Could We Hibernate All the Way to Mars? 06:21

Could We Hibernate All the Way to Mars?
Why Do Some Cancers Cure Themselves? 08:26

Why Do Some Cancers Cure Themselves?

Related Grammar Rules

C1

The Phrasal Verb 'Face up to' (Accepting Reality)

Overview The phrasal verb `face up to` represents a critical concept for C1 English learners, denoting the often challen...
A1

Time Prepositions: in, on, at

Overview "In", "on", and "at" are very important words. They help you talk about time. They tell people when things happ...
B1

Phrasal Verb: Take off (Removing & Departing)

Overview Phrasal verbs are a fundamental aspect of natural English, and `take off` stands out as particularly versatile...
B1

Wait a second! Using 'Hold on'

Overview `Hold on` is a highly versatile phrasal verb in English, primarily used to request a pause or to maintain a con...
B1

Dressing Up: Formal Clothes & Costumes (Dress up)

Overview `Dress up` is a versatile phrasal verb in English, crucial for describing the act of wearing special attire. It...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!