FIGURE OUT means "to understand" or "to solve" — one of the most useful phrasal verbs for problem-solving conversations.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
Both words carry some stress, but OUT is typically stronger:
- FIGure = stressed on first syllable
- OUT = main stress (loudest)
Say: "FIGure OUT" with emphasis on both stressed syllables.
The Word "Figure"
"Figure" has two syllables: FIG-yur /ˈfɪɡjɚ/
Key features:
- First syllable: /fɪɡ/ (like "fig" the fruit)
- Second syllable: /jɚ/ (the /j/ glide + R-colored vowel)
- NOT "fig-oor" — the second syllable is quick and reduced
Connected Speech
In natural speech, "figure" connects to "out":
- Written: figure out
- Sounds like: "FIG-yur-OUT" /ˈfɪɡjɚˈraʊt/
The R in "figure" can link to the /aʊ/ in "out" in very fast speech.
With Objects
Different Uses
1. Understand/solve
2. Calculate
3. Understand a person
Separable Verb
FIGURE OUT is separable:
- ✅ "Figure out the answer."
- ✅ "Figure the answer out."
- ✅ "Figure it out." (with pronouns, separation is common)
FIGURE OUT vs. WORK OUT
These are similar but have subtle differences:
| Phrasal Verb | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| figure out | understand through thinking | I figured out the puzzle |
| work out | solve through effort/calculation | I worked out the math |
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. Three syllables instead of two for "figure"
Don't say "fig-u-rer." It's just two syllables: FIG-yur.
2. The /ɪ/ vowel
The first vowel in "figure" is short /ɪ/ (like "sit"), not long /iː/ (like "seat").
3. The /aʊ/ diphthong
"Out" has the diphthong /aʊ/ — start with /a/ and glide to /ʊ/.
4. The /j/ glide
There's a /j/ sound (like "y") between "fig" and "ur": /fɪɡ-jɚ/.
Practice Sentences
- "I can't FIGURE OUT why." → /aɪ kænt ˈfɪɡjɚ ˈaʊt waɪ/
- "FIGURE it OUT!" → /ˈfɪɡjɚ ɪt ˈaʊt/
- "We need to FIGURE OUT a plan." → /wi niːd tə ˈfɪɡjɚ ˈaʊt ə plæn/
- "She FIGURED OUT the answer." → /ʃi ˈfɪɡjɚd ˈaʊt ðə ˈænsɚ/
Verb Forms
| Form | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base | /ˈfɪɡjɚ ˈaʊt/ | figure out |
| Past | /ˈfɪɡjɚd ˈaʊt/ | figured out |
| Present participle | /ˈfɪɡjɚɪŋ ˈaʊt/ | figuring out |
Common Expressions
Quick Summary
- Stress on both FIGure and OUT
- "Figure" = two syllables: FIG-yur /ˈfɪɡjɚ/
- Separable: "figure it out"
- Similar to "work out" but more about understanding
Next: How to pronounce SET UP.