B1 Prepositions 12 min read Médio

Resolvendo problemas com 'Figure Out'

Domine figure out para expressar com confiança a resolução de problemas e a compreensão de ideias complexas!

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

Você já ficou olhando para a tela de login da Netflix por dez minutos porque esqueceu sua senha? Todos nós já passamos por isso. Você tenta o nome do seu cachorro.
Tenta o seu aniversário. Nada funciona. De repente, você se lembra daquela senha estranha que criou em 2019.
Aquele momento em que você resolve o mistério é exatamente o que significa figure out algo. É aquela sensação satisfatória de «Ahá!» quando as peças de um quebra-cabeça finalmente se encaixam.
Em inglês, temos o que chamamos de phrasal verbs. Eles são como pequenas equipes entre um verbo e uma palavra curta (uma preposição ou advérbio). Figure out é um dos mais úteis que você aprenderá.
Em sua essência, significa resolver um problema ou entender uma situação usando o seu cérebro. Não se trata apenas de ouvir um fato; trata-se do trabalho que sua mente faz para dar sentido a ele. Pense nisso como se você fosse um detetive de sua própria vida.
Esteja você resolvendo um problema de matemática, consertando um aplicativo com erro ou tentando entender por que seu amigo está agindo de forma estranha, você está figuring coisas out.

How This Grammar Works

Este ponto gramatical é um pouco como um conjunto de LEGO. Você tem a peça principal, figure, e a peça de conexão, out. Juntas, elas criam um significado totalmente novo que não tem nada a ver com desenhar figuras (que é o que figure geralmente significa!).
Uma coisa que torna figure out especial é que ele é separável. Esta é uma forma elegante de dizer que você pode colocar a coisa que está resolvendo bem no meio das duas palavras. Você pode dizer figure out the password ou figure the password out.
Ambas estão 100% corretas e são naturais. No entanto, o inglês tem uma pequena armadilha para você. Se você usar um pronome curto como it, them ou her, ele deve ir no meio.
Você tem que dizer figure it out.

Formation Pattern

1
Para usar isso corretamente, basta seguir alguns passos simples:
2
Forma base: figure out (para hábitos ou fatos gerais)
3
Passado: figured out (para coisas que você resolveu ontem)
4
Contínuo: figuring out (para coisas que você está resolvendo agora)
5
| Forma | Exemplo | Tradução |
6
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
7
| Presente Simples | I figure out the bill. | Eu calculo a conta. |
8
| Passado Simples | I figured out the code. | Eu decifrei o código. |
9
| Com Pronome | figure it out | resolver / entender isso |

When To Use It

Use este phrasal verb sempre que houver esforço mental envolvido. Se você tiver que pensar, calcular ou analisar, figure out é seu melhor amigo.
  • Tecnologia: "I can't figure out how to turn off these notifications!" (Não consigo entender como desligar essas notificações!)
  • Vida Social: "I'm trying to figure out if he likes me." (Estou tentando entender se ele gosta de mim.)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1A Armadilha do It: Nunca diga figure out it. É sempre figure it out.
  2. 2Confundir com Find out: Usamos find out para informações que descobrimos sem muito esforço. Usamos figure out quando temos que pensar para chegar à solução.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

  • Understand: É o termo geral. Figure out trata mais do processo de chegar a esse entendimento.
  • Find out: Para descobertas simples.
    I found out the library is closed.

Quick FAQ

P: É formal ou informal?

R: É neutro! Você pode usá-lo com um amigo ou com seu chefe.

P: Posso usá-lo para pessoas?

R: Sim, significa que você entende as motivações secretas delas.

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 Resolvendo problemas com 'Figure Out'
Estrutura Tipo de Objeto Exemplo Significado Observações
figure out + Noun
Noun
I need to figure out the puzzle.
Resolver/entender um problema
O substantivo também pode ir no meio: 'figure the puzzle out'.
figure + Noun + out
Noun
I need to figure the puzzle out.
Resolver/entender um problema
Comum, especialmente com frases substantivas mais curtas.
figure + Pronoun + out
Pronoun (it, them)
Can you figure it out?
Resolver/entender um problema
O pronome *deve* ir no meio.
figure out + how to + Verb
Infinitive clause
We figured out how to fix the Wi-Fi.
Descobrir um método ou processo
Muito comum para aprender habilidades.
figure out + Question Word
Question clause
She figured out why it broke.
Entender o motivo/detalhes
Inclui 'what', 'where', 'when', 'who', 'how'.
figure out + (a) solution/plan
Noun phrase
Let's figure out a solution quickly.
Elaborar um plano ou resolução
Frequentemente usado em discussões de resolução de problemas.
figure out + someone
Person (object)
It took time to figure out my new boss.
Entender a personalidade/motivações de alguém
Menos comum, mas perfeitamente válido.
figure out (intransitive)
None (implied object)
Don't worry, I'll figure out.
Resolver a situação (objeto implícito)
Usado quando o objeto está claro pelo contexto.

Espectro de formalidade

Formal
We must ascertain the cause of the discrepancy.

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

Neutro
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)

Gíria
Gotta suss it out.

Gotta suss it out. (Workplace problem)

Maneiras de 'Figure Out'

Figure Out

O que você 'Figure Out'

  • a solution uma forma de resolver algo
  • how to + Verb o método para fazer algo
  • a person a personalidade/motivações dela

Quando você usa

  • Complex problems Quebra-cabeças, equações matemáticas
  • New situations Aprender um novo aplicativo, novo emprego
  • Hidden meanings Mensagens enigmáticas, sinais sutis

'Figure Out' vs. 'Find Out'

Figure Out
solve a puzzle esforço mental, dedução
understand a complex concept processamento de informação
devise a plan criação de uma solução
Find Out
discover information aprender um fato
ask for news obter uma atualização
confirm details verificar dados específicos

Usando 'Figure Out': Um Fluxograma de Decisão

1

Você precisa resolver um problema ou entender algo pensando?

YES
Use 'Figure Out'!
NO
Considere 'Understand' ou 'Find Out'.
2

O objeto é um pronome (it, them)?

YES
Coloque o pronome NO MEIO: 'figure IT out'
NO
Objeto substantivo? Pode ser 'figure OUT the problem' OU 'figure the problem OUT'.

Usos Diários de 'Figure Out'

📱

Problemas de Tecnologia

  • Figure out a new app
  • Figure out why Wi-Fi isn't working
  • Figure out how to use a feature
💬

Situações Sociais

  • Figure out what someone meant
  • Figure out a friend's mood
  • Figure out a group plan
📚

Acadêmico/Trabalho

  • Figure out a math problem
  • Figure out a project strategy
  • Figure out a complex text
🏠

Vida Diária

  • Figure out how to assemble furniture
  • Figure out the best route
  • Figure out a recipe

Exemplos por nível

1

I can figure out the answer.

I can find the answer using my brain.

2

Can you figure it out?

Can you solve it?

3

He figures out the game.

He understands how to play.

4

We figured out the price.

We calculated the cost.

1

I need to figure out the bus schedule.

I need to understand the bus times.

2

She couldn't figure out the instructions.

She didn't understand the manual.

3

Let's figure out where to eat.

Let's decide on a restaurant.

4

Did you figure them out?

Did you solve the problems?

1

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

I am investigating the cause of the slow computer.

2

It took me ages to figure out her true intentions.

It took a long time to understand what she really wanted.

3

We have to figure out a way to save money.

We must find a method for saving.

4

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

After you understand the process, it is simple.

1

Scientists are still figuring out the long-term effects.

Researchers are still analyzing the future consequences.

2

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

I have discovered the solution to my schedule issues.

3

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

He is difficult to understand, but I will succeed.

4

The detective figured out the motive behind the crime.

The investigator deduced the reason for the act.

1

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

We must identify and solve the supply chain issues.

2

The nuances of the treaty are difficult to figure out.

The subtle details of the agreement are hard to grasp.

3

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

I am unable to decipher his subtext.

4

Having figured out the algorithm, she optimized the code.

After understanding the logic, she improved the program.

1

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

The thinker dedicated his time to understanding existence.

2

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

It is possible to never understand the complex systems here.

3

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

The data is too hard to understand immediately.

4

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

She is exceptionally good at identifying flaws in others.

Fácil de confundir

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.

Erros comuns

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.

Padrões de frases

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.

💡

Pense em 'Esforço Mental'

Use 'figure out' quando precisar de um pouco de reflexão para entender ou resolver algo. Implica um processo, não conhecimento instantâneo, como montar um móvel.
I need to figure out how to assemble this furniture.
⚠️

Pronomes no Meio!

Se o seu objeto for um pronome (como 'it', 'them'), ele DEVE ficar entre 'figure' e 'out'. Nunca diga 'figure out it'; soa muito estranho. "I can't figure it out."
🎯

Faça o Teste do 'Porquê'

Se você está se perguntando 'por que' algo acontece ou 'como' fazer algo, 'figure out' é a expressão ideal. Muitas vezes vem seguido de 'why', 'what', 'how to', etc. "I need to figure out why my car isn't starting."
🌍

Resolvedor Universal de Problemas

De falhas técnicas diárias a desafios acadêmicos, 'figure out' é super comum para expressar solução de problemas. Você vai ouvir em todo lugar, desde conversas no café até entrevistas de emprego!
I figured out how to fix my computer.

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.

Pronúncia

/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

Mnemônico

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

Associação 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

solveunderstandcalculatedecipherdeduceresolvecomprehend

Desafio

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

Notas culturais

'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.

Iniciadores de conversa

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 diário

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.

Erros comuns

Incorrect

Correto


Incorrect

Correto


Incorrect

Correto


Incorrect

Correto

Test Yourself

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase.

I need to ____ how to use this new software for my assignment.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: figure out
'Figure out how to' é a frase correta para entender um método ou processo por meio de esforço mental.
Encontre e corrija o erro na frase. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Can you figure out it for me? I'm really stuck.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Can you figure it out for me?
Pronomes como 'it' devem ser colocados entre 'figure' e 'out' em phrasal verbs separáveis. Este é um erro comum para ficar atento!
Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta? Múltipla escolha

Escolha a frase correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
Quando o objeto é um substantivo, 'figure out + substantivo' e 'figure + substantivo + out' são ambos gramaticalmente corretos e amplamente usados.
Digite a frase correta em inglês. Tradução

Translate into English: 'Ella no puede descifrar el significado de la canción que escuchamos.'

Answer starts with: ["S...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She can't figure out the meaning of the song we heard.","She cannot figure out the meaning of the song we heard."]
'Figure out the meaning' é uma colocação comum para expressar a compreensão do sentido ou interpretação de algo.

Score: /4

Exercicios praticos

8 exercises
Choose the correct sentence. Múltipla escolha

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. Tradução

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
Escolha a melhor opção para completar a frase. Preencher as lacunas

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: figure out
Complete a frase com o phrasal verb apropriado. Preencher as lacunas

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: figure out
Encontre e corrija o erro na frase. 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.
Identifique e corrija o erro na seguinte frase. 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.
Selecione a frase correta que usa 'figure out' corretamente. Múltipla escolha

Which sentence uses 'figure out' correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I can't figure it out.
Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta e soa natural? Múltipla escolha

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They're trying to figure out if the new policy will benefit everyone.
Traduza a frase em espanhol para um inglês natural. Tradução

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?"]
Traduza para o inglês, focando no uso de 'figure out'. Tradução

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."]
Organize estas palavras em uma frase gramaticalmente correta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Can you help me figure out how to do it?
Reorganize as palavras para formar uma pergunta. Sentence Reorder

Rearrange the words to form a question:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Didn't you figure out the solution?
Combine cada parte da frase para completar uma colocação comum de 'figure out'. Match Pairs

Match the beginning of the phrases with their correct endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Combine o significado com a construção correta de 'figure out'. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

Perguntas frequentes (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

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

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