In this episode we discuss fill out, find out, and figure out. We compare find out and figure out, because they are commonly confused with each other.
Fill out:
1. transitive and separable- to complete a form with information. Very similar to 'fill in,' though that is more typically used with shorter things, such as fill in blank, fill in one line of information, instead of filling out a whole application or form.
2. A) intransitive (more common)- a euphemism (that means a nice way to say something) for gaining weight. Not necessarily positive or negative. Although please note that in the US it is not polite to comment on people's weight. So its better to use it to speak about yourself, or you might hear family members using it with each other. I have really filled out during the quarantine. I need to buy all new clothes!
B) transitive and separable - same meaning. She fills that dress out beautifully.
Find out: (takes less effort , less analyzing, less of a process than figure out) To simply find an answer to something but checking, online, in a book, asking a person, etc. You might look it up or check.
1. A) intransitive , can be used as a complete phrase alone- to find the single answer to a question, such as a definition, a time, a scheduled event, a fact, etc. I don't know when our next meeting is, but I'll find out. (You will simply check your calendar or ask your colleagues.) Notice there is no direct object here.
More examples that are common phrases:
I don't know, but I'll find out.
Can you please find out?
When will we find out?
B) transitive and inseparable- same meaning, but has a direct object.
When will you find out who your new neighbors are?
2. intransitive and separable (rare)- for people to discover something secret or hidden about you, to discover who you really are. In the job interview I lied and said I passed the IELTS exam, but they didn't ask for the proof. I hope they don't find me out.
Figure out: transitive and separable
Takes more effort than find out. The word 'figure' comes from math, we can call numbers figures. So figure out means to find a solution after a bit of thought.
examples :
We need to figure out what we are going to make for dinner.
He has to figure out what he wants in life.
Can't you figure it out?
I can't figure out how to put this piece of furniture together.
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