Figure sth about

[nyggus]

"We should figure something about a statement about our research."

Frankly, I don't like this about after "something". Would as for work instead? Or maybe there is something else, better in this situation?

Best,
Nyggus

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by nyggus

"We should figure something about a statement about our research."

Frankly, I don't like this about after "something". Would as for work instead? Or maybe there is something else, better in this situation?

Best,
Nyggus

We should work on a statement about our research.

[nyggus]

Originally Posted by MikeNewYork

We should work on a statement about our research.

Thanks, MNY. It works, of course. But I mainly wanted to learn about the phrase "figure something", not exactly about this particular example. So, what should I use with "figure something"?

All the best,
Nyggus

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by nyggus

Thanks, MNY. It works, of course. But I mainly wanted to learn about the phrase "figure something", not exactly about this particular example. So, what should I use with "figure something"?

All the best,
Nyggus

We usually "figure something out", solve a puzzle, come up with a solution.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by MikeNewYork

We usually "figure something out", solve a puzzle, come up with a solution.

...and when we can't figure something out, it 'doesn't figure'. In BE we are more likely to say 'it doesn't make sense' or 'it doesn't add up'. Today's techno-centrism has also encouraged expressions like 'it doesn't compute'.

There is an AmE usage of figure without the 'out': 'Go figure' (inviting someone to draw an obvious conclusion); in this case it means 'Go [and] figure [it out]'. This is rarely used in BE; I've heard it a few times, but only in situations where there was a multi-national culture with a strong US presence.


b

[nyggus]

Originally Posted by BobK

...and when we can't figure something out, it 'doesn't figure'. In BE we are more likely to say 'it doesn't make sense' or 'it doesn't add up'. Today's techno-centrism has also encouraged expressions like 'it doesn't compute'.
There is an AmE usage of figure without the 'out': 'Go figure' (inviting someone to draw an obvious conclusion); in this case it means 'Go [and] figure [it out]'. This is rarely used in BE; I've heard it a few times, but only in situations where there was a multi-national culture with a strong US presence.
b

Do you mean that "figure sth" does not exist?

Nyggus

[BobK]

Originally Posted by nyggus

Do you mean that "figure sth" does not exist?
Nyggus

Well, almost, but never say never. . People do use 'figure object', but more often when the object is a person; and the 'out' is often expressed - the more formal the context, the more likely the 'out' is expressed.

I have heard these, in informal speech:

I just can't figure him.
I've never been able to figure people like that.

This usage becomes more common when there is an object complement:

I didn't figure him for a sucker.

And of course, 'figure sth' is quite acceptable if the 'sth' is a clause:

I didn't figure you'd come. [Informal, but quite common - maybe not so much in BE though - to express uncertainty.]

b

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by BobK

...and when we can't figure something out, it 'doesn't figure'. In BE we are more likely to say 'it doesn't make sense' or 'it doesn't add up'. Today's techno-centrism has also encouraged expressions like 'it doesn't compute'.

There is an AmE usage of figure without the 'out': 'Go figure' (inviting someone to draw an obvious conclusion); in this case it means 'Go [and] figure [it out]'. This is rarely used in BE; I've heard it a few times, but only in situations where there was a multi-national culture with a strong US presence.


b

Go figure.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by nyggus

Do you mean that "figure sth" does not exist?

Nyggus

If you mean that exact phrase, I've never heard it.

"Figure" can be a transitive verb:

I want you to figure 2 + 2. (slove the math problem)
I never figured him to be a liar. (suspected, concluded)
I never figured that you would do that. (ditto)

[nyggus]

And what about this thread -- http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/as...vs-figure.html ?

Nyggus