figure out

Meaning

To understand something or find the answer after thinking about it.

Examples

1. I can’t figure out how to open this file. US UK
2. She figured out the problem in ten minutes. US UK
3. Let’s figure it out together. US UK

How to use it

You can separate this verb: figure out the answer or figure the answer out. With it, say figure it out. You can follow it with a question word: figure out what to do.

Common mistake

Not: I can’t figure out it.
Say: I can’t figure it out. (Put it in the middle.)