finding
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A thing that is discovered or established as a result of an inquiry, investigation, or search.
A conclusion reached after examination or research; a verdict or decision in a legal context; the act of discovering something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Often used in plural form ('findings') to refer to the collective results or conclusions of research. Implies a process of search or investigation has taken place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In legal contexts, both use 'finding' for a judge's or jury's conclusion. Slight preference for 'research findings' in UK academic writing.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more formal/conclusive in American legal/technical contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in American English in business/tech reports.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The findings of [study/report/inquiry] suggest...A key finding was that...To present/publish/report one's findingsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A finding of fact”
- “Treasure finding”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports: 'The market research findings indicate a shift in consumer behaviour.'
Academic
Central to research papers: 'The study's findings challenge the existing theory.'
Everyday
Less common, but used: 'The doctor shared his findings after the tests.'
Technical
Precise results: 'The forensic findings were presented as evidence.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is finding the course quite challenging.
- We have been finding it difficult to get a plumber.
American English
- He's finding the new software helpful.
- They found the report lacking in detail.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The finding of a lost dog made her very happy.
- His finding was a shiny coin on the street.
- The main finding of the survey was that people want cheaper transport.
- Scientists will publish their findings next month.
- The committee's findings were controversial and led to further debate.
- A surprising finding emerged from the data analysis.
- The tribunal's finding of negligence had significant financial implications for the company.
- These empirical findings corroborate the theoretical model proposed earlier.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a detective FINDING clues. The noun from that act is a FINDING – the clue or conclusion that was found.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/TRUTH IS A HIDDEN OBJECT (discovered through search). RESEARCH IS A JOURNEY (with findings as destinations).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'нахождение' (which means location/process of finding). Use 'вывод', 'результат', 'заключение', or 'данные' (for findings).
- Do not confuse with 'finding' as a gerund ('finding a job' = поиск работы). The noun 'a finding' is a specific result.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'The finding was interesting' is correct; 'We discussed finding' is incorrect if meaning results).
- Confusing 'findings' (results) with 'findings' (decorative trimmings on clothing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'findings' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is countable. You have 'a finding' or (more commonly) 'findings'.
A 'finding' specifically implies a conclusion reached through investigation or search. A 'result' is more general, the outcome of any process.
Yes, but it's more common in formal, academic, or professional contexts. In casual talk, people might say 'what they found out' instead of 'their findings'.
The related verb is 'to find'. 'Finding' is the present participle/gerund of that verb, but as a standalone noun, it has the specific meaning of a discovered fact or conclusion.
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