figure out

Meaning

To figure out means to understand or solve something after thinking about it. It is used when you find a solution to a problem, comprehend someone's behavior, or calculate an amount. It is slightly informal but very common in daily life and workplaces.

Examples

• I can't figure out how to open this jar.

  I can't figure out how to open this jar.

• We need to figure out a way to reduce our monthly expenses.

  We need to figure out a way to reduce our monthly expenses.

• It took me hours to figure out the solution to the puzzle.

  It took me hours to figure out the solution to the puzzle.

• I can't figure him out; he is always changing his mind.

  I can't figure him out; he is always changing his mind.

• Let's figure out what time we should leave for the airport.

  Let's figure out what time we should leave for the airport.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I figured out to solve the problem.

  ✓ I figured out how to solve the problem.

  'Figure out' should be followed by a noun phrase or a question word clause (how to, what to, why), not a direct infinitive verb.

• ✗ I need to figure out about the schedule.

  ✓ I need to figure out the schedule.

  'Figure out' does not require the preposition 'about' when followed by a direct object.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Can you help me ___ how to use this software?

  💡 Understand or solve.

  Show answer

  figure out

• Don't worry, we will ___ something ___.

  💡 This phrasal verb can be separated by the word 'something'.

  Show answer

  figure out