a reliable figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reliable figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person or statistic that is trustworthy or dependable in a specific context, such as data analysis or reporting. Example: "According to the report, John has proven to be a reliable figure in our sales department, consistently meeting his targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The official death toll from Harvey has risen to 18 – although with many people still unaccounted for, it could be a while before authorities have a reliable figure.

The Guardian

These political fault lines will only deepen.Should the Treasury ultimately bail out Fannie and Freddie, the Congressional Budget Office gave $25 billion as its best estimate of the cost, though this is plainly not a reliable figure.

The Economist

The first exaggeration has to do with numbers: nobody has yet come up with a reliable figure for jobs lost through outsourcing, but they are a small fraction of the number lost because of the bubble.

The Economist

Bearing in mind the Migration Observatory's warning that there is no sound method for calculating a reliable figure, the suggestion by the Romanian ambassador that the yearly total might be nearer 10,000 than 50,000 seems a far more likely guess.

The Guardian

At the start of 2014, Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights UNHCRR) who had been releasing the numbers, told reporters that the organization could not offer a reliable figure for the death toll, and that due to doubts about the accuracy of the information they were presenting, the U.N. would not release new death tolls.

The Washington Post

For all these reasons, even real GDP is not a reliable figure for assessing economic progress.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Using a range of data to come up with a more reliable figure, Julian Evans-PritChina, analyst atalysthet the Capital Economics consultancy, said that the growth rate probably slowed to 5.3percentt in last three months of the year.

The Washington Post

"I would calculate that there are about 20 or 30 groups, but this is not a completely reliable figure," said Consul Gaspar Orozco (no relation to Manuel Orozco), who is in charge of community affairs at the Mexican consulate.

The New York Times

As Kennedy and others have noted over the past few years, the White House and the Republicans on Capitol Hill have wanted to put a politically reliable figure in charge of the FDA.

MIT Technology Review

So it is hard to imagine there have been many more cheering individual stories in the 51-year history of Lord's finals than Trott's appearance for the Bears, restored as a pivotal, reliable figure in his favourite No3 position.

The Guardian - Sport

We're not going to get any reliable figures on that for a while.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reliable figure" to describe a person, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the basis of their reliability, such as past performance or expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "a reliable figure" without providing specific evidence or examples of the reliability. The phrase can lose its impact if not substantiated with concrete details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reliable figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an appositive. It characterizes a person or a piece of data as trustworthy. Examples from Ludwig include instances where it refers to a dependable person or a trustworthy number.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reliable figure" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote trustworthiness or dependability in a person or a piece of data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds its primary usage in contexts such as news and media, science, and formal business communications. When using "a reliable figure", it's best to ensure the context clearly supports this claim, avoiding vague or unsubstantiated assertions. Alternatives such as "a trustworthy figure", "a dependable figure", or "a credible source" can be used to add nuance. The authoritative sources show that the expression is quite frequent, particularly in the media, when talking about a person or a number/statistic that is well trust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trustworthy figure

Emphasizes integrity and honesty more directly.

a dependable figure

Highlights the ability to be counted on consistently.

a credible source

Focuses on the believability and validity of the information provided.

a consistent performer

Highlights predictable and stable results, primarily in a professional context.

a steadfast presence

Suggests a long-term commitment and unwavering support.

a solid influence

Implies a positive and lasting effect on others.

a safe pair of hands

Indicates competence and the ability to handle sensitive situations.

a rock

Informal way of expressing someone gives you a feeling of solid support.

a pillar of strength

Emphasizes emotional fortitude and the ability to provide support during challenging times.

a tower of strength

Highlights stability and resilience in the face of adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "a reliable figure" in a sentence?

You can use "a reliable figure" to describe someone who is consistently dependable, or data that is trustworthy. For example, "The accountant has been a reliable figure at the company for over 20 years."

What can I say instead of "a reliable figure"?

You can use alternatives like "a trustworthy figure", "a dependable figure", or "a credible source" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "reliable source" or "a reliable figure"?

Both "reliable source" and "a reliable figure" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Reliable source" typically refers to information, while "a reliable figure" often refers to a person.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use the term "a reliable figure"?

It would be inappropriate to use "a reliable figure" in situations where there is no evidence to support the claim of reliability or when describing someone whose actions are inconsistent and unpredictable.