Cool MateDetermine vs Figure that out
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Determine
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Figure that out
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Determine | Figure that out | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈtɜːmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːmɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnz/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnd/","/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈfɪɡə ðæt aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈfɪɡjər ðæt aʊt// |
| Meaning | To find out or decide something. | understand something or solve a problem |
| Example | It is essential to determine the main cause of the problem. | Can you help me figure that out? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | exactly, precisely, reliably, try to, be used to, help to, biologically, culturally, genetically | figure that out quickly, figure that out together, try to figure that out |
| Antonyms | confuse, neglect, ignore | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'determine' in the wrong tense., Confused with 'decide' or 'discover'., Incorrectly using as a standalone without an object. | 'Figure that out' used without an object, Confusing with 'find out' which means to discover information, 'Figure out' spelled incorrectly as a single word |
| Usage notes | Use 'determine' when making a decision based on information or evidence. It's appropriate in both written and spoken context but can sound formal in casual conversation. | Use in everyday situations when discussing problem-solving. It’s appropriate in informal conversations but can also be used in neutral contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Determine vs Figure that out
What's the difference between Determine and Figure that out?
Determine: To find out or decide something. Figure that out: understand something or solve a problem
Can you show an example of each?
Determine: It is essential to determine the main cause of the problem. Figure that out: Can you help me figure that out?
Can I use Determine and Figure that out interchangeably?
Not always. Determine and Figure that out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.