Figure Out – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever stared at a tricky math problem until the answer clicked? Or finally understood why your friend was upset after replaying the conversation in your head? In English, you can say you figured it out. This everyday phrasal verb means to solve, understand, or work something out through thinking, effort, or trial and error.
What Does “Figure Out” Mean?
“Figure out” means to find an answer, understand something confusing, or make a decision after thinking it through. It’s not about guessing—it’s about using your mind to reach clarity. Think of it like solving a puzzle: at first, the pieces don’t fit, but then suddenly, everything makes sense.
When to Use It
Use “figure out” in casual, academic, or problem-solving contexts:
• When solving a problem: “I finally figured out how to fix the printer.”
• When understanding emotions or behavior: “She figured out why he was acting strange.”
• When making plans: “We’ll figure out the details later.”
It’s neutral—perfect for speaking, texting, emails, and classroom talk. You’ll hear it constantly in real-life English.
Example Sentences
- I can’t figure out this password—it’s driving me crazy!
- He figured out the shortcut by accident.
- We need to figure out a budget before we book the trip.
- It took me years to figure out what I really wanted to do.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How’d you get the app to work?”
Jamie: “I watched a tutorial and finally figured it out!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “figure out” when you mean “discover” something by chance (use “find out” instead). Also, remember that “figure out” is separable—you can say “figure it out” or “figure out the answer,” but with pronouns, it must be “figure it out,” not “figure out it.”
❌ Don’t say: “I figured out it.”
✅ Do say: “I figured it out.”
✅ Do say: “Can you figure out what’s wrong with this code?”
Practice Tip
Next time you solve a small problem—like a tech issue, a schedule conflict, or a recipe step—say: “I figured it out!” When you’re stuck, ask yourself: “How can I figure this out?” Using the phrase in real challenges builds confident, natural fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “figure out” to show problem-solving, understanding, and resourcefulness—just like native speakers do! It’s one of the most useful phrasal verbs in English, used daily in work, school, and life. Keep listening for it in shows, chats, and advice. You’re not just learning words—you’re learning how people think their way through confusion. Keep going—you’ve got this!
