Find out means to discover information you did not have before. It describes the moment you learn something, not the knowledge itself: I found out yesterday. It is often followed by “that”, “what”, “when”, “if” or “about”.
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find out + that/what/when/if; find out about + topic
- I called the museum to find out if it's open on Mondays.
- When did you find out about the new exam format?
- Our manager found out that the client had paid twice and sent the money back.
What changed
First versionYesterday I knew that my flight was cancelled.
RevisionYesterday I found out that my flight was cancelled.
“Knew” may seem to fit, but “know” describes a state, not the moment when news reaches you. If you discovered the information or someone told you, use “found out”.
“Learn” can also mean to get news, but it sounds more formal, as in a letter or a news report: We learned that the course had been cancelled. In conversation, “find out” is more natural: I just found out the course is cancelled.
Your turn
Please call the airline and ___ whether our flight is delayed.
Show the answer
find out — You are asked to call and get information, which is an action, so you need “find out”. “Know” describes something already familiar to you and does not fit this request.
Write about how you found out some important news at work or in your studies. Say what exactly you found out and who told you.
Last Monday I found out from my team leader that our office would move to a new building.
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