SpeakUp

Grammar fix

find out about

to get information about something

to learn or discover facts or details about something by asking, searching, or being told.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I need to find out about the train schedule before I leave.daily life
  • Before choosing a university, I tried to find out about the different courses and campus facilities.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: find out about + noun/what/where/when clause

WrongI found out about that he had left.

RightI found out that he had left. / found out about his leaving.

Use 'find out THAT...' for a clause; 'find out ABOUT' takes a noun.

Patternfind out about + noun/what/where/when clause

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I wish to ascertain the details concerning the new policy.

Natural I want to find out about the new policy.

'Find out about' is the everyday phrase; 'ascertain the details concerning' is officialese.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • find out about + topic
    the jobwhat happeneditthe details

Don't confuse it

'Find out' alone means to discover something, but 'find out about' focuses on getting information on a specific subject.

Try it in Daily Speak →