a shocking figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shocking figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statistic or number that is surprising or unexpected, often in a negative context. Example: "The report revealed a shocking figure: over 50% of the population lives below the poverty line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That's a shocking figure.

The Washington Post

This is indeed a shocking figure.

The Economist

But when you really think about it, one third is a shocking figure.

The Guardian

That's a shocking figure – not merely because of the huge number of women involved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The evidence is there in the one million annual visits to foodbanks, a shocking figure in what is, still, a wealthy country.

The Guardian - Opinion

At Sugarbush in Warren, Vt., revenue is up 15percentthis yearar, a "shocking" figure, said J. J. Toland, a resort spokesman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

That's a pretty shocking figure and the research is a welcome and useful addition to an important debate.

The Guardian

When asked about figures, Wilcox admitted they'd lost track of print runs, but have put at least 73,000 copies of Fifteen Dogs "out there," a delightful, shocking figure for independent presses, where 2,000 copies of a novel sold is pretty good, and anything over 5,000 is considered a great success.

Vice

That's a pretty shocking figure.

The New Yorker

"That's a really shocking figure," says Marten.

The Guardian

"This whole-life cost of £37bn is a truly shocking figure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context when presenting "a shocking figure" to help the audience understand its implications and avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a shocking figure" excessively or inappropriately, as this can diminish its impact and make your writing seem sensationalist or hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly noteworthy data points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shocking figure" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, emphasizing the unexpected or alarming nature of the figure being described. This aligns with Ludwig's examples where it introduces surprising statistics or amounts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shocking figure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, it effectively highlights surprising or alarming data. While versatile, it's best used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "a startling figure" or "a staggering figure" for nuanced emphasis. By providing context and avoiding overuse, you can leverage this phrase to create impactful and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a startling figure

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the figure.

a staggering figure

Highlights the magnitude and impact of the figure.

an alarming number

Focuses on the potential danger or concern associated with the figure.

a disturbing statistic

Emphasizes the troubling or unsettling aspect of the statistic.

a surprising amount

Downplays the gravity while maintaining an unexpected element.

an eye-opening number

Highlights the revelatory aspect of the figure.

a noteworthy statistic

Emphasizes the importance or significance of the statistic.

an unexpected result

Shifts the focus to the outcome rather than the figure itself.

a remarkable amount

Focuses on the extraordinary character of the figure.

an astonishing total

Highlights the impressiveness of the total number.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a shocking figure" in my writing?

Start by clearly presenting the figure, then immediately explain why it's shocking in the context of your discussion. For example, "The unemployment rate soared to 15%, a shocking figure that signals a deep economic crisis".

What are some alternatives to "a shocking figure" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "a startling figure", "a staggering figure", or "an alarming number" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "a shocking figure"?

Use "a shocking figure" when presenting data that significantly deviates from expectations, norms, or previous data points, especially when the deviation has important implications.

Is there a risk of overusing the phrase "a shocking figure"?

Yes, overusing "a shocking figure" can diminish its impact and make your writing seem sensationalist. Reserve it for truly significant and unexpected data points to maintain its effectiveness.