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Verb + preposition

figure in, into, as, on or out?

Figure changes meaning with different particles and prepositions. Some combinations are phrasal verbs, while others use separate prepositional phrases.

Quick answer

Common uses of figure with prepositions and particles

Figure in means “be included.” Figure into means “be an important part of something.” Figure as means “serve or appear as.” Figure on is uncommon in standard English for this meaning; count on or figure on mainly appears in informal North American English meaning “expect.” Figure out means “understand or solve.”

Taxes figure into the final price.
She figures as a leading expert.
We didn't figure in the repair costs.
Can you figure out this equation?

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
figure in + group/plan

Showing inclusion

Use figure in when someone or something is included in a calculation, plan, or discussion.

Childcare costs did not figure in the original budget.
Her name figures in the report several times.
2
figure into + result/decision

Showing influence or importance

Use figure into when something plays a part in a result or decision.

Weather conditions figured into the schedule.
Experience should figure into the hiring decision.
3
figure as + role/status

Describing a role or identity

Use figure as to describe how someone or something is regarded or functions.

The building figures as a local landmark.
He figured as the main suspect.
4
figure out + problem/answer

Solving or understanding something

Figure out is a common phrasal verb meaning understand, solve, or discover.

I finally figured out the password.
They are trying to figure out what went wrong.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
figure in
Fuel costs were not figured in.
included as part of a calculation or plan
figure into
Health risks figure into the decision.
play a role in something
figure as
She figures as an important witness.
serve or appear in a role
figure on
We figured on leaving early.
informal North American English for expect or plan on
figure out
Can you figure out the answer?
understand or solve

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using figure on in formal international English

Figure on is informal and regional. In many contexts, expect or plan on is clearer.

✕ We figure on delays tomorrow. ✓ We expect delays tomorrow.

Confusing figure in and figure into

Figure in means include. Figure into means influence or contribute to a result.

✕ Cost figures into the budget. ✓ Cost figures in the budget.

Using figure as for inclusion

Figure as describes a role, not inclusion in a list or calculation.

✕ Parking fees figure as the total cost. ✓ Parking fees figure into the total cost.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Training should ___ the final evaluation.
2. I can't ___ why the app keeps crashing.
3. Her travel expenses did not ___ the report.

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Frequently asked questions

Is figure out informal?

Figure out is common in both spoken and written English, though solve or determine may sound more formal in some contexts.

Can I say figure on?

Yes, especially in informal North American English, where it can mean expect or plan on. It is less common in international formal English.

What is the difference between figure in and figure into?

Figure in means include something. Figure into means affect or contribute to an outcome.

face, with, face, by facilitate by, in, with, for or through? "fade into", "fade to" or "fade from"? fail in, at, to, on or for? "fall into" or "fall in"? falter in, after, for, on or under? fantasize about, on, of or over? fare in, against, to, as or on? "fascinate by" or "fascinate with"? "fasten to", "fasten on" or "fasten with"? favor by, in, for, from or of? favour by, in, for, over or of?

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