find out

Meaning

To discover a fact or obtain information about something, often through searching, asking, or investigating. It is a highly common phrasal verb used in everyday conversations, news, and business contexts. The tone is completely neutral.

Examples

• I need to find out what time the train leaves.

  I need to find out what time the train leaves.

• How did you find out about the surprise party?

  How did you find out about the surprise party?

• We will find out the test results on Monday.

  We will find out the test results on Monday.

• She was shocked to find out that she had won the competition.

  She was shocked to find out that she had won the competition.

• Call the hotel to find out if they have any free rooms.

  Call the hotel to find out if they have any free rooms.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to find out the truth of this story.

  ✓ I want to find out the truth about this story.

  We say 'find out about' a topic or situation, rather than using 'of' directly after the noun.

• ✗ I need to find out where is the office.

  ✓ I need to find out where the office is.

  In indirect questions following 'find out,' use normal statement word order (subject + verb) instead of question word order.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Can you ___ what time the movie starts?

  💡 Discover or get information.

  Show answer

  find out

• I was surprised to ___ that we had met before.

  💡 Learn a piece of information.

  Show answer

  find out