Phrasal verb
find out
Meanings
to discover information; to learn the truth about something
to learn that someone has done something wrong or kept something secret
Definition
To find out means to discover information or learn the truth about something.
If you find out something, you learn it through asking, searching, or observing. It often suggests that the information was not known before and may take some effort to discover. It can refer to facts, reasons, answers, or secrets.
Examples
- I need to find out what time the meeting starts.
- She found out the reason the bus was delayed.
- They found out about the surprise party before the guests arrived.
- He found out his roommate had used his headphones without asking.
Common mistake
Learners often say "find out about" when they mean a specific result; use "find out" + clause for the exact information (e.g., "find out where it is").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.