What are the definitions of “figure on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Plan, expect.
What job do you FIGURE ON doing when you graduate?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “figure on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb figure on is to plan or expect something to happen. It is often used when talking about future events or making predictions.
What are the different verb forms of “figure on”?
| Root Verb | figure on |
| Third Person Singular Present | figures on |
| Present Participle | figuring on |
| Simple Past | figured on |
| Past Participle | figured on |
Example
I figure on going to college next year.
Example
She figures on getting a promotion soon.
Example
They are figuring on moving to a new city.
Example
He figured on finishing the project by the end of the week.
Example
We had figured on arriving earlier, but there was traffic.
What kind of phrasal verb is “figure on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“figure on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I figure on taking a vacation next month.
Example
She figured on having more time to prepare.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“figure on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I figure on taking a vacation next month.
Example
She figured on having more time to prepare.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “figure on”?
Figure on something
To rely on or count on something happening.
Example
You can't always figure on everything going according to plan.
Figure on someone
To expect someone to do something or behave in a certain way.
Example
I figured on him being late, as usual.
Figure on an amount
To estimate or calculate a specific amount.
Example
We figured on spending about $500 for the trip.
Good things to know
Does “figure on” have an informal or formal tone?
Figure on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms such as 'plan,' 'expect,' or 'anticipate.'
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “figure on”?
Synonyms
- expect
- anticipate
- estimate
- calculate
- plan
- predict
- count on
- rely on
Antonyms
- disregard
- doubt
- disbelieve
- ignore
- overlook
- underestimate
- miscalculate
