Cool MateFigure that out vs Solve
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Figure that out
Top 1,000 (very common)
Solve
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
| Figure that out | Solve | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈfɪɡə ðæt aʊt//🇺🇸 //ˈfɪɡjər ðæt aʊt// | 🇬🇧 /["/sɒlv/","/sɒlvz/","/sɒlvd/","/ˈsɒlvɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/sɑːlv/","/sɑːlvz/","/sɑːlvd/","/ˈsɑːlvɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | understand something or solve a problem | To find an answer or solution to a problem. |
| Example | Can you help me figure that out? | I need to solve this math problem before the class ends. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | figure that out quickly, figure that out together, try to figure that out | completely, largely, half, attempt to, try to, help (to), by, with, an attempt to solve something, be aimed at solving something, be good at solving something, completely, largely, half, attempt to, try to, help (to), by, with, an attempt to solve something, be aimed at solving something, be good at solving something |
| Antonyms | - | complicate, confuse, aggravate |
| Common mistakes | 'Figure that out' used without an object, Confusing with 'find out' which means to discover information, 'Figure out' spelled incorrectly as a single word | 'Solve for' misused without specifying an equation or problem., Using 'solve' intransitively when it should be transitive, e.g., missing the object., Confusing 'solve' with 'resolve'; 'solve' is typically for problems, 'resolve' is for disputes. |
| Usage notes | Use in everyday situations when discussing problem-solving. It’s appropriate in informal conversations but can also be used in neutral contexts. | Use 'solve' in both formal and informal contexts. It's appropriate for academic, mathematical, and everyday problem-solving scenarios. Avoid using it in very casual contexts where simpler terms might apply, such as 'figure out'. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Figure that out vs Solve
What's the difference between Figure that out and Solve?
Figure that out: understand something or solve a problem Solve: To find an answer or solution to a problem.
Can you show an example of each?
Figure that out: Can you help me figure that out? Solve: I need to solve this math problem before the class ends.
Can I use Figure that out and Solve interchangeably?
Not always. Figure that out and Solve 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.