English Reference

Phrasal verb

find out

Definition

phrasal verb. to learn new information or a fact that you did not know before.

phrasal verb. To discover information or a fact through inquiry, observation, or study. The verb can function intransitively or take a noun phrase or wh-clause as its object.

Examples

“I need to find out what time the movie starts.”

“She checked the company website to find out if there were any job openings in the marketing department.”

“The committee launched an extensive investigation to find out whether the safety protocols had been intentionally bypassed during the construction phase.”

Examples

simple

“I need to find out what time the movie starts.”

contextual

“She checked the company website to find out if there were any job openings in the marketing department.”

complex

“The committee launched an extensive investigation to find out whether the safety protocols had been intentionally bypassed during the construction phase.”

Usage

Commonly followed by question words like 'who', 'what', 'where', 'why', or 'if'.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'find', which refers to locating physical objects, whereas 'find out' refers to acquiring knowledge or facts.

Pitfall

I found out my keys under the bed.

I found my keys under the bed.

'Find out' is used for discovering information, while 'find' is used for locating physical objects.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

find + out + object

Synonyms

discoverlearnrealizeascertain

Antonyms

hideignoreoverlook

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference