1 B2 idiomatic informal
To expect or anticipate something happening, and factor it into your plans.
"We didn't figure on the traffic being this bad — we're going to be late."
inseparable
figure on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To expect or plan for something; to count on something happening.
In plain English
To think that something will probably happen and include it in your plans.
What does "figure on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To plan to do something or intend to include something in one's arrangements.
"I figure on staying for about three days — is that okay with you?"
inseparable
Usage tip
Chiefly American English. Informal. Often followed by a noun or gerund: 'figure on arriving late', 'figure on a delay'. Implies reasonable expectation based on current information. Not used in formal writing. 'Reckon on' is the British English equivalent.
Words that pair with "figure on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
delay arrival cost time staying leaving
How to conjugate "figure on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
figure on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
figures on
he/she/it
Past simple
figured on
yesterday
Past participle
figured on
have + pp
-ing form
figuring on
continuous
Hear "figure on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "figure on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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