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figure on meaning and examples

2025-09-12

Meaning

  • Figure on means to expect, plan for, or rely on something happening.
  • It can also mean to consider or include something in your calculations or arrangements.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Phrasal verb.

  • Transitive: usually followed by a noun phrase or clause.

  • Common structures:

    • figure on + noun
    • figure on + doing something

Examples of patterns:

  • I didn’t figure on it taking so long.
  • She figures on joining the team next year.

Common Phrases

  • figure on doing something – plan or expect to do it.
  • figure on costs/expenses – expect or estimate the costs.
  • figure on support/help – rely on someone’s support.

Collocations

  • figure on spending
  • figure on winning/losing
  • figure on problems
  • figure on help from someone
  • figure on extra time

Examples

  1. We didn’t figure on so many people showing up.
  2. You can figure on spending about two hours at the museum.
  3. I never figured on getting lost in the city.
  4. They figured on her help, but she was too busy.
  5. I figured on the train being late, so I left early.
  6. Don’t figure on the weather staying this nice all day.
  7. He figured on passing the exam without much study.
  8. I didn’t figure on traffic being this bad.
  • expect
  • plan on
  • rely on
  • count on
  • anticipate

Antonym

  • not expect
  • be unprepared for
  • overlook