Phrasal Verbs

Unit 5.3 - "Out" meaning "Searching" / "Finding"

Guess the meanings of the phrasal verbs from context:
- Can you check out the background of the tenant before renting him the apartment?
- I borrowed a book from the library to find out more information about Japanese pottery.
- His wife asked for a divorce after she found out that he was having an affair.
- I can't figure out why someone wants to commit suicide.
- "Do you think Dad would let us use his car?" "Let's go and sound him out."
- I want to try out this new program for making homepages.

All these phrasal verbs have the meaning of "searching" or "finding". See Explanations ê

Explanations:

Check out

(separable)

To examine something, or to get information about something or someone
>>They checked out his credentials before offering him the job.

>>They checked the second-hand car out one more time before handing over the money to the car dealer.

Find out

(separable)

To discover, to get information or to learn a fact or piece of information for the first time

>>What's that noise? Let's go and find out!

>>Being a father is not easy, as you will soon find out.

Figure out

(separable)

To find the answer to something by thinking carefully
>>I can't figure out the answer to this question.
>>I've never been able to figure him out. I don't know what he thinks sometimes.

Sound out

(separable)

To discover what someone thinks about an idea or plan by talking to him/her
>>I sounded her out about going to Europe with us but she wasn't interested.
>>Let's sound out his views on this issue.

Try out (separable)

To test something by using it in order to find out if it is good
>>They're trying out a new computerized accounting system in the office.
>>Have you tried out the new Italian restaurant? It's really good.

Exercise:
- Complete the following conversation:
  - Jim: Mom, can I get a new car?
  - Mom: A new car? How much does it cost? Have you the prices?
  - Jim: Yes, I have even a few cars.
  - Mom: Well, how much?
  - Jim: Um... about $20,000.
  - Mom: Oh, I don't know about that. Why don't you go and your Dad?
  - Jim: He will definitely say "No!"
  - Mom: How can you be so sure?
  - Jim: Oh, I've him a long time ago! I know exactly what he'll say. He'll say it costs too much.
  - Mom: Well, it does cost quite a bit. It's not easy to make money, you know. You'll soon .

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