Significant figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Significant figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematics and science to refer to the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. Example: "When performing calculations, it is important to round your answers to the correct number of significant figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Significant figures among Kosovo's Albanians suspect him of working for Serbian intelligence.

The New York Times

Significant figures in British theatre are choosing to work with young people.

The Guardian

This prejudice rules out more than a few significant figures.

The New Yorker

"Those don't seem like significant figures," he said.

The New York Times

But these are numbers with six significant figures (eg, DM1.95583).

The Economist

They included entries on most significant figures in British history up to the year 1900.

The Guardian - Books

And, as long-dead historically significant figures go, he's in good company.

The New York Times

Other significant figures include Nicole Richie (196), Brad & Angelina (148), Madonna (137) and Pamela Anderson (120).

The Guardian - Tech

Who were some significant figures and what made them significant in their sport?

The New York Times

Overview of Lesson Plan: In this lesson, students share opinions about significant figures in music history.

The New York Times

In short, they were significant figures in the development of the dynamic art known as Baroque.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Significant figures" in scientific or mathematical writing, always specify the degree of precision required for your results.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a high number of "significant figures" automatically equates to greater accuracy. Accuracy also depends on the calibration and limitations of the measurement instruments used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Significant figures" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It's used to denote either important individuals in a specific field or the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used and well-accepted in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Significant figures" is a versatile noun phrase that refers to either important individuals or the digits contributing to a number's precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It sees common usage across scientific, mathematical, and journalistic fields, indicating its importance in contexts demanding precision or highlighting noteworthy people. When writing, ensure you match the number of "significant figures" to the accuracy of your measurements and avoid overstating precision to maintain credibility. While there are limited direct alternatives, understanding the specific meaning—whether it relates to individuals or numerical data—will guide you to the most contextually appropriate substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Important individuals

Focuses on the individuals rather than the numerical or abstract sense of 'figures'.

Key personalities

Highlights the influential people involved.

Notable entities

Emphasizes the importance of the entities, not necessarily people.

Prominent leaders

Specifically refers to leaders and their visibility.

Critical data points

Refers to essential data in a scientific or mathematical context.

Essential numbers

Highlights only the numerical aspect of significance.

Meaningful statistics

Emphasizes the interpretable value of statistical data.

Consequential amounts

Focuses on the quantities involved and their impact.

Substantial values

Emphasizes the magnitude or worth of the figures.

Material factors

Highlights the tangible or influential aspects of the figures in a broader context.

FAQs

How is "significant figures" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "significant figures" indicate the precision of a measurement or calculation. They are used to avoid overstating the accuracy of results. For example, reporting a measurement as 12.345 cm when your instrument only measures to the nearest tenth of a centimeter is incorrect; you should report it as 12.3 cm.

What does "significant figures" mean in mathematics?

In mathematics, "significant figures" are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. Leading and trailing zeros are often not significant unless otherwise indicated.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "significant figures"?

While "significant figures" is the standard term, you could use "significant digits", although this is less common. The best alternative depends on the context.

Why is it important to use the correct number of "significant figures"?

Using the correct number of "significant figures" reflects the precision of your measurements and calculations. Overstating precision can mislead readers and undermine the credibility of your work, whereas understating it discards potentially relevant information.