FIND OUT means "to discover" or "to learn information" — an essential phrasal verb for everyday conversations.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
The stress falls on OUT:
- find = less stressed
- OUT = main stress (louder, longer)
Say: "find OUT" not "FIND out"
Connected Speech
In natural speech, the /d/ at the end of "find" links to the vowel /aʊ/ in "out":
- Written: find out
- Sounds like: "fine-DOUT" /faɪnˈdaʊt/
The /d/ "jumps" to the next syllable. Also notice the /n/ and /d/ blend smoothly.
With Objects
The Diphthongs
FIND OUT contains two important diphthongs:
/aɪ/ in "find"
This is the same sound as "I" or "my." Start with an open /a/ and glide to /ɪ/.
/aʊ/ in "out"
Start with an open /a/ and glide to /ʊ/. Your lips round at the end.
Separable Verb
FIND OUT is separable, but it's more common to keep it together:
- ✅ "I found out the answer." (more common)
- ✅ "I found the answer out." (less common)
- ✅ "I found it out." (with pronouns, separation is natural)
Different Uses
1. Discover information
2. Get caught (informal)
Common Expressions
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. The /aɪ/ diphthong
Don't say /fɪnd/. The vowel is /aɪ/, like "I." Your mouth opens wide, then closes.
2. The final /nd/ cluster
Say both /n/ and /d/ clearly, but link the /d/ to the next word.
3. The /aʊ/ diphthong
Don't say /out/ with a pure "o." Start with /a/ and glide to /ʊ/.
Practice Sentences
- "I'll find OUT soon." → /aɪl faɪnˈdaʊt suːn/
- "How did you find OUT?" → /haʊ dɪd jə faɪnˈdaʊt/
- "Let's find OUT together." → /lets faɪnˈdaʊt təˈɡeðɚ/
- "I found OUT yesterday." → /aɪ faʊnd ˈaʊt ˈjestɚdeɪ/
Quick Summary
- Stress on OUT: find OUT
- Link /d/ to vowel: "fine-DOUT" /faɪnˈdaʊt/
- Two diphthongs: /aɪ/ in find, /aʊ/ in out
- Usually kept together (not separated)
Continue with How to pronounce GIVE UP.