find
A1neutral
Definition
Meaning
to discover something or someone after searching, or to discover something by chance
to come to a conclusion or decision through examination or experience; to perceive or become aware of something through observation; to obtain something; to experience a particular feeling or situation
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Find implies successful conclusion of search, whether intentional or accidental. Unlike 'search' or 'look for,' which describe the process, 'find' describes the result. Can be used both literally (physical objects) and figuratively (solutions, feelings).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Minor spelling variations in derived forms (e.g., 'findable' vs. 'findable' is equally accepted). Legal context differences in 'find for/against' more common in UK legal English.
Connotations
Both varieties share the same range of connotations. 'Find out' is equally common in both.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties. Slight preference for 'locate' in formal American contexts where British might use 'find.'
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[find] + [direct object][find] + [direct object] + [adjective][find] + [direct object] + [noun phrase][find] + [that-clause][find] + [direct object] + [past participle][find] + [direct object] + [present participle]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “find your feet”
- “find fault with”
- “find your voice”
- “take someone as you find them”
- “find it in your heart”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for discovering information, solutions, or candidates. 'We need to find a more cost-effective supplier.'
Academic
Used for discovering results, evidence, or patterns in research. 'The study found a significant correlation.'
Everyday
Used for locating objects, people, or discovering information. 'I can't find my keys anywhere.'
Technical
Used in computing for search functions, in law for verdicts, in surveying for locating points.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I can't find my umbrella anywhere.
- You'll find the station at the end of this road.
- The jury found the defendant guilty.
- I find classical music very relaxing.
American English
- Did you find your phone yet?
- We found a great coffee shop downtown.
- The investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.
- I find it hard to believe he'd do that.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form in standard usage.
American English
- No adverbial form in standard usage.
adjective
British English
- This is a find of great archaeological significance.
- That vintage dress was a real find at the charity shop.
American English
- That parking spot right in front was a real find.
- The little bookstore was a great find on our trip.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can find my book.
- She finds her keys.
- They find the supermarket.
- We find a good restaurant.
- I need to find a better way to organise my time.
- Did you find what you were looking for?
- Scientists have found new evidence of climate change.
- I find it difficult to understand this grammar point.
- After months of research, they finally found a solution to the problem.
- The court found in favour of the plaintiff.
- You'll find that working from home has both advantages and disadvantages.
- I find myself thinking about that conversation often.
- The committee found the allegations to be without foundation.
- He found himself confronted with an ethical dilemma of considerable complexity.
- Archaeologists have found remains that could revolutionise our understanding of early civilisation.
- One finds that the more one learns, the less one realises one knows.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FIND = Finally I Notice Details. Imagine searching a messy room and finally noticing the small details that help you locate your lost item.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING (finding as bringing into visual/mental view), DISCOVERY IS UNCOVERING (finding as removing a cover to reveal something)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not equivalent to 'находить' in continuous forms - English uses 'looking for' for process, 'find' for result
- Russian 'найти' covers both accidental and intentional discovery, while English sometimes distinguishes with 'come across'
- False friend with 'find out' which translates as 'узнать', not 'найти'
Common Mistakes
- Using continuous form incorrectly ('I am finding it' for permanent states)
- Confusing 'find' and 'find out' ('I found that he lied' vs 'I found out that he lied')
- Using 'look for' when 'find' is needed for result
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'find' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Find' usually refers to discovering objects, people, or abstract things. 'Find out' refers to discovering information or facts.
Yes, but usually for temporary situations ('I'm finding this course difficult') or when emphasising the process of discovery ('I'm finding more clues every day'). For permanent states or general abilities, use simple forms ('I find French grammar challenging').
Common prepositions include 'in' (find something in a place), 'for' (find evidence for a theory), 'against' (find against someone in court), 'on' (find information on a website), and 'by' (find by chance).
'Find' is irregular: find - found - found. The past simple and past participle are both 'found'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Daily Verbs
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