Find Out – Meaning and Examples
You get a text from your friend: “Did you find out what time the movie starts?” Or maybe you’re waiting for exam results and say, “I’ll find out tomorrow.” The phrasal verb find out is used whenever you discover or learn new information—on purpose or by accident. It’s one of the most common phrases in English, and you’ll hear it everywhere: at school, work, home, and in movies.
What Does “Find Out” Mean?
“Find out” means to learn or discover something you didn’t know before. Think of it like unlocking a piece of information—maybe by asking, searching, waiting, or even overhearing. It’s not about physically finding an object (like keys); it’s about gaining knowledge or facts.
When to Use It
Use “find out” in everyday situations like:
- Checking plans: “I need to find out if the store is open.”
- School or work: “We’ll find out the results next week.”
- Surprises or gossip: “She found out her brother’s getting married!”
- Solving problems: “Let me call and find out what happened.”
It’s neutral—perfect for speaking and writing in casual or semi-formal settings. You can use it with friends, coworkers, teachers, and even in emails.
Example Sentences
- I just found out my flight got canceled.
- Can you find out how much the tickets cost?
- He found out the truth from his sister.
- We’ll find out who won the contest tomorrow.
Mini Dialogue
Juan: “Did you find out if Maria is coming to the party?”
Amy: “Yes! She said she’ll be there at 7.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use it for physical objects: “I found out my wallet!” (Wrong!)
✅ Do use it for information: “I found out the meeting was canceled.”
Practice Tip
Practice Tip
Ask someone today: “Did you find out…?” (e.g., “Did you find out the homework?”). It’s a natural way to start a conversation!
Final Note
“Find out” is simple, useful, and used by English speakers every single day. You’re already thinking in English when you wonder, “How can I find out?” Keep listening for it, and use it often. With every try, you’re getting closer to fluency. You’re doing great—keep it up!
