In 15 Seconds
- Used for discovering facts or information you didn't know.
- Common in both casual chats and professional emails.
- Focuses on the result of learning something new.
Meaning
To 'find out' means to learn a piece of information for the first time. It is that 'aha!' moment when you discover a fact or a secret that you didn't know before.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking a schedule
I need to find out what time the train leaves.
I need to find out what time the train leaves.
Work meeting
We should find out why the client is unhappy.
We should find out why the client is unhappy.
Texting a friend
Let me find out and I'll text you back.
Let me find out and I'll text you back.
Cultural Background
In the US, 'finding out' is often associated with 'The Freedom of Information Act,' where citizens have a legal right to find out what the government is doing. British culture often uses 'find out' in the context of 'finding someone out,' which means to discover that someone is being dishonest or hypocritical. In Japan, 'finding out' a secret about someone else is often kept private to avoid causing 'meiwaku' (trouble or annoyance) to the group. The phrase 'Find out' has become a meme through the expression 'F*** around and find out,' used to describe natural consequences for bad behavior.
The 'Wh-' Rule
If you are using a question word (who, what, where, why, how), you almost always need 'find out' instead of 'find'.
No Physical Objects
Remember: You find a coin, but you find out the coin is made of gold.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for discovering facts or information you didn't know.
- Common in both casual chats and professional emails.
- Focuses on the result of learning something new.
What It Means
Find out is all about discovery. It is not about finding a physical object like your keys. It is about finding information. Imagine you are a detective. You are looking for the truth. When you finally get that truth, you find out. It is the process of moving from 'I don't know' to 'Now I know.'
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you get new data. You can find out a time, a place, or a secret. It is very flexible. You can use it with a question word like find out why or find out where. You can also use it with about. For example, 'I need to find out about the party.' Just remember: you don't find out a person. You find out information about them. If you 'find' a person, you are probably playing hide and seek!
When To Use It
Use it in your daily life constantly. Use it at work when checking a deadline. Use it with friends when gossiping about a movie. It is perfect for texting. 'Let me find out and tell you later' is a classic text. It shows you are taking action to get an answer. It sounds active and helpful. It is great for those moments when you are curious.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical objects. If you lost your wallet, do not say 'I need to find out my wallet.' That sounds like your wallet is hiding a secret! Use find for objects. Also, avoid it in extremely academic writing. In a very formal science paper, you might use discover or determine. But for 95% of life, find out is your best friend.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being 'in the know' is important. People love to find out things. There is a famous (and slightly scary) modern slang phrase: 'Fuck around and find out.' It means if you take a risk or cause trouble, you will eventually discover the negative consequences. It shows how the phrase has moved from simple learning to a warning about reality.
Common Variations
You will often hear figure out. This is slightly different. Find out is just getting the info. Figure out means you had to think hard or solve a puzzle to get it. If someone tells you the time, you find out. If you have to do math to know the time, you figure out. Keep them separate and you will sound like a pro!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in almost any situation. The only trap is using it for physical objects—keep it strictly for facts and information.
The 'Wh-' Rule
If you are using a question word (who, what, where, why, how), you almost always need 'find out' instead of 'find'.
No Physical Objects
Remember: You find a coin, but you find out the coin is made of gold.
Use 'Found out' for Gossip
When telling a story about someone else, starting with 'I just found out...' is a great way to get people's attention.
Examples
6I need to find out what time the train leaves.
I need to find out what time the train leaves.
Using 'find out' with a 'what' question to get a specific fact.
We should find out why the client is unhappy.
We should find out why the client is unhappy.
Professional use to suggest investigating a problem.
Let me find out and I'll text you back.
Let me find out and I'll text you back.
A very common way to say 'I will check and tell you.'
I just found out that my cat has a secret second family next door!
I just found out that my cat has a secret second family next door!
Used for a surprising or humorous discovery.
She was heartbroken to find out he had lied to her.
She was heartbroken to find out he had lied to her.
Used to describe learning a painful truth.
The committee will find out the truth behind the budget cuts.
The committee will find out the truth behind the budget cuts.
Used in a serious, official context.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
I lost my wallet yesterday, but I ______ it this morning under the bed.
You use 'found' for physical objects like a wallet. 'Found out' is for information.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'find out'.
We need to ______ what time the movie starts.
The base form 'find out' follows 'need to'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Did you hear about the new manager? B: No, what happened? A: I just ______ that he used to be a professional clown!
The past tense 'found out' is used to report a piece of news or a fact discovered in the past.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
1. I found out the truth. 2. I found my keys.
'Truth' is information (find out), 'keys' are physical objects (find).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI lost my wallet yesterday, but I ______ it this morning under the bed.
You use 'found' for physical objects like a wallet. 'Found out' is for information.
We need to ______ what time the movie starts.
The base form 'find out' follows 'need to'.
A: Did you hear about the new manager? B: No, what happened? A: I just ______ that he used to be a professional clown!
The past tense 'found out' is used to report a piece of news or a fact discovered in the past.
1. I found out the truth. 2. I found my keys.
'Truth' is information (find out), 'keys' are physical objects (find).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it is two words. It is a phrasal verb. However, the noun 'find' (a discovery) is one word.
No. You should say 'I found out about him' (information) or 'I found him' (physical location).
'Discover' is more formal and often used for science or history. 'Find out' is more common in daily life.
Not at all. It is a neutral phrase. However, 'finding someone out' (uncovering their lie) can lead to a rude or tense situation.
Yes! For example: 'I researched the company to find out more about your values.'
Related Phrases
figure out
similarTo solve a problem using logic.
check out
similarTo investigate or look at something.
turn out
builds onTo prove to be the case in the end.
catch out
specialized formTo discover someone's mistake or lie.
