Understanding the Phrasal Verb ‘Figure Out’
‘Figure out’ is an essential phrasal verb that can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in the Speaking section. This versatile expression is frequently used in everyday English and can help you articulate your thoughts more naturally and fluently.
Definition and Explanation
‘Figure out’ means to understand or solve something after careful thought. It’s often used when discussing the process of finding a solution to a problem or comprehending a complex situation. Synonyms include ‘work out’, ‘solve’, ‘decipher’, or ‘make sense of’.
Usage in Context
Here are some examples of how to use ‘figure out’ in different contexts:
- Informal: “I can’t figure out how to use this new app.”
- Formal: “The researchers are attempting to figure out the cause of the disease.”
- Writing: “After analyzing the data, we were able to figure out the trend in consumer behavior.”
- Speaking: “It took me a while, but I finally figured out how to balance work and study.”
Various contexts of using 'figure out' in English
Grammatical Analysis
‘Figure out’ is a separable phrasal verb, which means you can place the object either between ‘figure’ and ‘out’ or after ‘out’. For example:
- “I need to figure out the problem.” (Object after)
- “I need to figure the problem out.” (Object between)
When using pronouns, they must be placed between ‘figure’ and ‘out’:
- “I couldn’t figure it out.” (Correct)
- “I couldn’t figure out it.” (Incorrect)
Application in IELTS
In IELTS Speaking
Using ‘figure out’ can demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic language, which is highly valued in the IELTS Speaking test. Here’s how you can incorporate it:
-
When describing problem-solving experiences:
“When I first moved to a new city, it took me a while to figure out the public transportation system.” -
Discussing learning processes:
“Learning a new language can be challenging, but once you figure out the basic grammar rules, it becomes easier.” -
Talking about future plans:
“I’m still trying to figure out what career path I want to pursue after graduation.”
In IELTS Writing
While ‘figure out’ is more common in spoken English, it can be used in writing tasks, especially in Task 2 essays where a more conversational tone is acceptable:
“Governments worldwide are trying to figure out how to balance economic growth with environmental protection.”
However, in more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like ‘determine’, ‘ascertain’, or ‘deduce’.
Related Phrasal Verbs
-
Work out (/wɜːrk aʊt/) – to solve or calculate something
Example: “I’m trying to work out how much money I need to save each month.” -
Sort out (/sɔːrt aʊt/) – to resolve or organize something
Example: “We need to sort out the details of the project before we begin.” -
Find out (/faɪnd aʊt/) – to discover or learn something
Example: “I’ll call the office to find out when the meeting is scheduled.” -
Make out (/meɪk aʊt/) – to understand or perceive something with difficulty
Example: “I could barely make out what he was saying due to the poor connection.” -
puzzle out (/ˈpʌzəl aʊt/) – to solve or understand something with difficulty
Example: “It took me hours to puzzle out the meaning of the ancient text.”
Related phrasal verbs to 'figure out'
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- I’m trying to __ __ how to use this new software.
- Can you __ __ what time the train arrives?
- Scientists are working to __ __ the cause of climate change.
- It took me a while to __ __ the solution to the math problem.
- We need to __ __ a way to reduce our expenses.
- The detective is attempting to __ __ who committed the crime.
- I can’t __ __ why the car won’t start.
- She’s still trying to __ __ how to balance work and family life.
- The company is working to __ __ how to improve customer satisfaction.
- Can you help me __ __ how to assemble this furniture?
Sentence Rewriting
-
Original: I don’t understand the instructions.
Rewrite: I can’t __ __ the instructions. -
Original: We need to solve this problem quickly.
Rewrite: We need to __ __ this problem quickly. -
Original: The researchers are trying to understand the virus’s behavior.
Rewrite: The researchers are trying to __ __ the virus’s behavior. -
Original: I’m still uncertain about my career path.
Rewrite: I’m still trying to __ __ my career path. -
Original: Can you explain how this machine works?
Rewrite: Can you __ __ how this machine works? -
Original: We’re working on understanding the root cause of the issue.
Rewrite: We’re working on __ __ the root cause of the issue. -
Original: The team is attempting to find a solution to the budget deficit.
Rewrite: The team is attempting to __ __ a solution to the budget deficit. -
Original: I’m having trouble understanding his accent.
Rewrite: I’m having trouble __ __ his accent. -
Original: They’re trying to determine the best approach to the project.
Rewrite: They’re trying to __ __ the best approach to the project. -
Original: Can you help me understand this complex theory?
Rewrite: Can you help me __ __ this complex theory?
Answers and Explanations
Fill in the Blanks:
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
Sentence Rewriting:
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figure out
- figuring out
- figure out
- figuring out
- figure out
- figure out
Explanation: In all these sentences, ‘figure out’ is used to replace phrases that involve understanding, solving, or determining something. The phrasal verb adds a more colloquial and natural tone to the sentences, which is particularly useful in the IELTS Speaking test. Note that in sentences 6 and 8 of the rewriting exercise, we use the -ing form ‘figuring out’ to maintain the continuous aspect of the original sentence.
Memorization Tips
To remember ‘figure out’, try associating it with the image of a detective figuring out a mystery. Imagine a person putting together puzzle pieces to form a clear picture – this is essentially what you’re doing when you ‘figure something out’.
Another helpful technique is to create a mnemonic device:
F – Find
I – Information
G – Gather clues
U – Understand deeply
R – Reason logically
E – Explain the solution
OUT – Overcome Uncertainty Thoroughly
This breakdown can help you remember both the meaning and the spelling of the phrasal verb.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
-
Mistake: Using ‘figure out’ in very formal writing.
Correction: In formal academic writing, opt for more formal alternatives like ‘determine’, ‘ascertain’, or ‘deduce’. -
Mistake: Placing a pronoun after ‘out’ (e.g., “I couldn’t figure out it”).
Correction: Always place pronouns between ‘figure’ and ‘out’ (e.g., “I couldn’t figure it out”). -
Mistake: Using ‘figure out’ for simple understanding.
Correction: ‘Figure out’ implies some effort or problem-solving. For simple understanding, use ‘understand’ or ‘get’. -
Mistake: Overusing ‘figure out’ in IELTS Speaking.
Correction: While it’s good to use phrasal verbs, variety is key. Mix ‘figure out’ with other expressions to showcase your vocabulary range.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrasal verb ‘figure out’ can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in the Speaking section. It demonstrates your ability to use idiomatic language naturally, which is highly valued by examiners. Remember to practice using it in various contexts and combine it with other expressions to showcase your language proficiency.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, don’t forget to explore other aspects of English language use. For instance, you might find it helpful to work out strategies for describing people, such as how to describe a person who inspires you to stay healthy or how to describe a famous public figure from your country. These skills, combined with your improved use of phrasal verbs, will help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test.
Keep practicing, and soon you’ll figure out how to use this versatile phrasal verb effortlessly in your English communication!
