Collocations are words that usually go together in English.
Here we are going to look at words that go with 'find' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.
Make a find
If you 'make a find,' you discover something by accident or as part of a deliberate search. You can say someone 'made a find' in English when they discover something. This is probably the most used collocation with 'find'.
Examples
- If you make a find during your investigation, report it immediately to head office.
- Your archaeological team has been digging in that field for months. Have you made a find yet?
- Bargain hunting is great fun. I always enjoy making a find for my collection.
- I made a great find while I was clearing out the shed.
- She made a surprising find about her family from these documents.
Unearth/uncover a find
If you 'unearth' or 'uncover' a find it means to discover something that was not easily visible or to literally dig it from the ground.
Examples
- The archaeologists unearthed a find that fundamentally changes our understanding of early man.
- While digging, construction workers uncovered a find that has excited local historians.
Discover a find
'Discover a find' means to come across something for the first time.
Examples
- Scientists discovered a find that could eventually lead to a cure for Alzheimer's.
- I discovered a great find today in the antique shop.
Prehistoric find
A 'prehistoric find' refers to an archaeological find dating back to prehistoric times.
Examples
- The cave paintings at Lascaux were an astonishing prehistoric find.
- Prehistoric finds from the area include stone flints and spears.
An unexpected/lucky find
An 'unexpected' or 'lucky find' means to come across something unplanned or fortunate.
Examples
- I made an unexpected find in the garden when I discovered a rare flower.
- I found the card I needed to complete my collection at a garage sale. What a lucky find!