Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: Figure on

Learning English phrasal verbs can be a rewarding challenge, and "figure on" is a common expression you'll encounter. This versatile phrasal verb plays a significant role in everyday conversation and writing. Understanding how to figure on something correctly will enhance your fluency and comprehension of native English speakers. This article will explore the various meanings of "figure on," its grammatical structures, related synonyms, and provide opportunities to practice its usage. Get ready to add another useful phrasal verb to your English toolkit!

A person looking at a calendar and a piggy bank, illustrating planning and expecting with the phrasal verb Figure on

What Does Figure on Mean?
Structure with Figure on
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Practice Time!
Conclusion

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What Does Figure on Mean?

The phrasal verb "figure on" is a common piece of English vocabulary that primarily means to expect something to happen and to include that expectation in your plans. It can also mean to consider something as a likely part of a situation or calculation. Think of it as mentally accounting for, or planning around, a particular event, cost, or person's involvement. It's important not to confuse "figure on" with "figure out," which means to solve or understand something. While both involve mental processing, "figure on" is about anticipation and planning, whereas "figure out" is about discovery and resolution.

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Structure with Figure on

Understanding the different ways "figure on" can be structured is key to using it correctly and sounding natural. This phrasal verb, while seemingly simple, can be used in several contexts, each carrying a slightly different nuance. Let's delve deeper into its common meanings and associated grammatical patterns to help you master its use.

Meaning 1: To Expect or Plan For Something

This is arguably the most frequent application of "figure on." It signifies the act of including something in your mental (or actual) calculations or plans because you anticipate its occurrence or necessity. It implies foresight and preparation for what you figure on happening.

Structure 1.1: Subject + figure on + noun phrase This structure is used when the thing you are expecting or planning for is a noun or a noun phrase.

Example 1: We figure on a large crowd at the outdoor concert, so we've arranged extra security and refreshment stalls.
Example 2: I didn't figure on such a complicated check-in process for this budget airline; it took ages!

Note: When using this structure, the noun phrase directly follows "figure on" and represents the anticipated element. This often relates to events, quantities, or conditions.

Structure 1.2: Subject + figure on + (someone/something) + verb-ing (gerund) This structure is employed when you are planning for or expecting an action to occur. The gerund (the -ing form of a verb) represents this action.

Example 1: They figure on arriving at the destination by sunset, assuming the roads remain clear.
Example 2: She didn't figure on her old car breaking down right before her important job interview.

Tip: The gerund phrase often describes the anticipated event or activity. Sometimes, an object can come before the gerund, as in "I figure onhim helping us."

Meaning 2: To Rely On or Depend On Someone/Something

In this context, "figure on" takes on the meaning of counting on or trusting that someone or something will fulfill an expectation, be available, or perform as needed. This usage often carries a sense of confidence or reliance.

Structure 2.1: Subject + figure on + someone/something This structure is straightforward: you name the person or thing you are relying on.

Example 1: You can always figure on Sarah to bring enthusiasm and great ideas to team meetings.
Example 2: We can't figure on the internet connection being stable in that remote cabin, so download everything you need beforehand.

Consideration: While similar to "count on" or "rely on," "figure on" in this sense can sometimes imply a more implicit or assumed reliance, often based on past experience.

Meaning 3: To Consider or Estimate (often in calculations)

This meaning involves using "figure on" when calculating or estimating an amount, cost, time, or quantity. It suggests making an educated guess or including a factor in a broader calculation.

Structure 3.1: Subject + figure on + noun phrase (typically a number, amount, duration, or cost) The noun phrase here specifies the estimated value.

Example 1: For the renovation project, we need to figure on at least an additional 10% for unforeseen expenses.
Example 2: The event planner told us to figure on roughly two hours for the keynote speech and the subsequent Q&A session.

Application: This is common in budgeting, project planning, or any situation requiring numerical estimation. It highlights that the stated amount is an approximation included in the overall plan.

Mastering these structures and understanding the subtle differences in meaning will significantly enhance your ability to use "figure on" accurately and effectively in various communicative situations. It's a practical phrasal verb for discussing plans, expectations, and estimations.

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Related Phrases and Synonyms

While "figure on" is a wonderfully versatile phrasal verb, enriching your vocabulary with related terms and synonyms can add precision and flair to your English. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the best word for the specific nuance you want to convey, whether it's about expecting, planning, or relying.

Below is a table of synonyms that share common ground with terms related to expectation and planning, along with explanations and examples to illustrate their usage.

Synonym	Meaning	Example Sentence	Nuance for Similar Concepts
Anticipate	To expect something to happen and often to prepare for it in advance.	We anticipate a surge in customer inquiries after launching the new product.	Often implies a more formal or proactive preparation based on expectation.
Count on	To rely on or trust someone to do something or for something to happen.	You can count on me to support your decision, whatever it may be.	Very similar to one meaning of "figure on" (rely on), perhaps slightly more direct in expressing trust.
Expect	To believe that something will happen or is likely to be the case.	I expect the report to be on my desk by Friday morning.	A general term for believing something will happen; often the basis for what one might "figure on" in their plans.
Plan for	To make specific arrangements for an event or situation you foresee.	They didn't plan for such a drastic increase in material costs.	More focused on the active process of making arrangements, whereas the act of "figuring on" can be more about mental inclusion.
Budget for	To allocate a specific amount of money for a particular purpose.	When buying a house, you need to budget for closing costs and moving expenses.	Specifically relates to financial planning, a subset of what one might "figure on" (an amount).
Reckon on	(Chiefly British/Informal) To expect or rely on something.	I reckon on him being late, as usual.	More informal and can carry a similar meaning of expectation or reliance, often with a hint of personal judgment or assumption.
Bank on	To rely on something happening or someone doing something.	Don't bank on winning the lottery to solve your financial problems.	Often implies a strong, perhaps even risky, reliance or dependence on a particular outcome.

While these synonyms can often be used in similar contexts, each carries its own subtle emphasis. For instance, "anticipate" suggests a greater degree of foresight and preparation, while "bank on" might imply a higher stakes reliance. Choosing the right synonym depends on the specific context and the precise shade of meaning you wish to communicate. Regularly practicing with these alternatives will help you develop a more nuanced command of English.

Practice Time!

Let's test your understanding of how to use these concepts with a few questions. Choose the best option for each sentence.

Question 1: Which sentence uses the core idea of planning or expecting correctly? a) I figure on to go to the store later. b) We should figure on at least two hours for the meeting. c) She figured the problem on quickly. d) Figure on this button to start the machine.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "We didn't ___________ such a delay when we made our travel arrangements." Which is the best way to complete the sentence to show lack of expectation? a) figure on for b) figure on c) figure on it d) figure to on

Correct answer: b

Question 3: "You can always ___________ Mark to bring the snacks; he never forgets." Which phrasal verb best expresses reliance here? a) figure on b) figure out c) figure with d) figure for

Correct answer: a

Question 4: The sentence "I figure on needing more paint for the living room" primarily expresses: a) A definite outcome confirmed by an expert b) A reliance on the paint to perform well c) An estimation or expectation included in one's project plans d) A calculation of the paint's chemical formula

Correct answer: c

Conclusion

Learning phrasal verbs is a significant step in mastering conversational English. By understanding different meanings related to expecting, planning, relying, and estimating—and how to structure sentences using relevant expressions—you can communicate more precisely and naturally. Remember that consistent practice is key to truly internalizing new vocabulary. Keep using these phrasal verbs and their synonyms in your speaking and writing, and soon they will become a comfortable part of your English repertoire.