find
to discover, to come upon, to obtain
- Meaning: To discover something, often unexpectedly; to locate; to obtain a result or impression.
- Usage: Used for physical discoveries, discoveries of information, feelings, and judgments.
- Forms: find (base), finds (3rd sing.), finding (participle), found (past, past participle)
'Find' means to discover or locate something.
Definition
find (verb): to discover something, often by chance; to locate; to acquire.
- When you find something, you become aware of it, see it, or obtain it, sometimes unexpectedly.
- The verb can be used for objects, information, feelings, or opinions.
- Physical: locating a lost key
- Abstract: discovering a new idea, or realizing someone is kind
'Find' can be used for locating objects, discovering info, and realizing feelings.
Usage
find is used when you:
- Locate something (usually after searching): She found her glasses.
- Discover or learn something new: I found the lecture interesting.
- Experience an emotion or reaction: He found the movie boring.
- Can refer to tangible things (keys, money) or intangible things (ideas, opinions, feelings).
- Often implies some element of discovery or realization.
'Find' can be used for locating, forming opinions, discovering facts, and experiencing emotions.
Forms
| Tense/Usage | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base | find | I find your idea useful. |
| 3rd Person Sing. | finds | She finds joy in painting. |
| Present Participle | finding | They are finding answers. |
| Past | found | We found a solution. |
| Past Participle | found | Have you found your keys? |
- found is the irregular past and past participle form.
The correct past tense of 'find' is 'found'.
Example Sentences
- Physical: I found a dollar on the street.
- Discovery: You’ll find the answers in the back of the book.
- Opinion: She finds jazz music relaxing.
- Emotion: Did you find the speech inspiring?
- When you find something, you've made a discovery—whether it's an object, an idea, or a feeling.
Conclusion
The verb find is central to describing discoveries and realizations in English, spanning from physical objects to abstract ideas and emotions.
- Use find for both tangible and intangible discoveries.
- Remember its irregular forms: find, finds, finding, found (past/participle).
- It expresses not just discovery, but also how we find things emotionally or intellectually.