Usage and collocation of find
1. It means "found". Various forms of composite structures can be connected later according to the situation. For example:
You will find it a very difficult book.
He found her alone in the room.
We find the story very interesting.
I found the girl crying at the gate.
He found the city much changed.
[Note] The compound structure connected with the infinitive is usually to be, but sometimes other verbs can be used in the passive voice. For example:
He was found to have helped himself to public money.
2. Sometimes it can be followed by that clause. For example:
I found that the book was very interesting.
They found that he was no longer working there.
He found no one could answer his question.
When he arrived, he found that she had gone.
[Note] When followed by that clause, as long as the sentence pattern is suitable and does not affect the original meaning, it can sometimes be converted into a composite structure, for example, the first two sentences above can be converted into:
I found the book very interesting.
They fould him no longer working there.
3. It can take double objects. If double objects exchange positions, use the preposition for. For example:
Please find me my key./Please find my key for me.
We found him a good job./We found a good job for him.
Compare the following sentence:
We found him a good teacher
4. Used to find out, it means to find out the situation or find out the truth through investigation, observation, inquiry, etc. For example:
We must find out the truth of the matter.
If you pretend, you may be found out.
5. For find oneself, the main usage is:
It means finding yourself in a certain state or coming to a certain place, usually with an unexpected meaning. For example:
He woke up and found himself in hospital.
He returned to England to find himself famous.
It means to discover your true ability, character, desire, etc. For example:
Mary tried several jobs but at last found herself as a teacher.
Refers to someone's physical sense of self. For example:
How do you find yourselftoday? How do you feel today?