FIND OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'find out' means to discover a fact or piece of information, typically through investigation, inquiry, or effort.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'find out' means to discover a fact or piece of information, typically through investigation, inquiry, or effort.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The noun or pronoun can come between 'find' and 'out'.
Register
Neutral
It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
'Find out' requires an object (the thing being discovered).

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple find out I need to find out the train schedule.
Past Simple found out She found out the truth yesterday.
Present Continuous finding out He is finding out more details about the event.
Present Perfect have found out They have found out the results of the election.

💡 When to Use

To discover new information
This is used when someone learns something they were previously unaware of through effort or research.
Example: "We will find out who won the competition next week."
To clarify a doubt
Utilized when someone resolves uncertainty by obtaining accurate information or evidence.
Example: "She found out that the meeting was postponed."
To unveil secrets
Useful in contexts where hidden truths or confidential facts are disclosed or uncovered.
Example: "The journalist found out about the scandal from a source."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect separation
❌ Wrong: Find the answer out.
✅ Correct: Find out the answer.
💡 Tip: Typically keep objects after the phrasal verb for clarity.
Misplaced object
❌ Wrong: Find it out the result.
✅ Correct: Find out the result.
💡 Tip: Ensure the object directly follows 'find out'.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: They find out yesterday.
✅ Correct: They found out yesterday.
💡 Tip: Use past tense 'found' for past actions.
Practice

FIND OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

discover uncover

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"We need to ___ who is responsible for the change."

find over
find out
find through
find within

"To find out is to embark on a journey where every answer breeds further questions, expanding the horizon of human understanding."

In Context

In the annals of maritime adventure, Captain James Cook stands as a pivotal figure who expanded the world's geographic knowledge. Born in 1728, Cook embarked on a series of voyages that significantly contributed to the maps of his time. On his first voyage aboard the HMS Endeavour, Cook was tasked with observing the transit of Venus. However, his true mission was to find out whether a great southern continent, Terra Australis, existed. Upon reaching New Zealand in 1769, Cook diligently mapped its coastline, becoming the first European to complete such a task. His quest to find out more about the Pacific lands encountered both wonders and challenges. During his second voyage, Cook ventured further south, reaching the icy fringes of Antarctica, finding out new lands and confirming the limits of habitable reaches. Sadly, Cook's relentless pursuit to find out answers met a tragic end. In 1779, on Hawaii's Kealakekua Bay, a conflict with the islanders proved fatal for the intrepid navigator. Though his life ended abruptly, Cook's legacy of exploration and discovery inspires, reminding us of humanity's enduring quest to find out the unknown.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Find Out

What is the origin of find out?

+
The phrase 'find out' originated in Middle English, combining 'find', meaning to discover, and 'out', suggesting clarity or revelation. Over time, it became a common expression for acquiring new information.

Can find out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Find out' is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in research reports, casual conversations, and professional inquiries.

What is the difference between find out and discover?

+
While both involve learning something new, 'find out' often implies intentional inquiry or effort, whereas 'discover' can denote accidental or unexpected learning.

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National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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