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find out

to discover information

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to discover or learn something by searching, asking questions, or investigating

2. (verb) to determine or establish the true facts about someone or something

Examples

• 1. I need to find out what time the meeting starts.
• 2. The police will find out who committed the crime.

How to use find out

Find out is a common phrasal verb used to describe discovering information through investigation, inquiry, or circumstance. It is slightly more conversational than formal synonyms like 'ascertain' or 'determine', and often implies some element of searching or effort. It frequently appears in narratives when characters learn surprising or significant facts.

Common phrases

• find out the truth
• find out what happened
• find out about someone
• find out later
• find out by chance

Synonyms

discover · uncover · learn · determine · ascertain

Word family

finding · found

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'find out' with 'find', forgetting that 'find out' requires investigation or inquiry, whereas 'find' can mean simply locating something already known to exist.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

drop off, figure out, fill in, follow up, get across, get by

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained