a single statistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single statistic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific piece of numerical data or information, often in the context of analysis or reporting. Example: "The report highlights a single statistic that shows a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This method is described in detail by Liu et al. (http://www.cell.com/AJHG/retrieve/pii/S0002929710003125), but briefly, test statistics across a UCSC gene region (±50 kb) are collapsed into a single statistic representing the gene.

Human Molecular Genetics

We summarize the coresponse statistics for all metabolites in a given pathway, p, to obtain a single statistic, b, that measures the coresponse between each transcript and that pathway in general.

Bioinformatics

A single statistic may dramatize this process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A single statistic tells the story.

The Economist

RARELY can a single statistic have been grasped so desperately.

The Economist

But we must remember that within a single statistic there exists many individual success stories.

The Guardian - Opinion

A single statistic tells why: This spring, St . Josephs will graduate just five diocesan priests.

The New York Times

Brooks told the audience that a single statistic explained why conservatives had lost.

The New Yorker

For now, the lifesaving promise of automation often gets boiled down to a single statistic: 94percentt.

The Washington Post

There are several Web sites that attempt to put all of a player's contributions into a single statistic.

The New York Times

And the Cy Young Award, voted on by baseball writers, is not based on a single statistic.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single statistic" to illustrate a point, ensure the statistic is representative and not misleading. Provide context to prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions based solely on "a single statistic". Always consider other relevant data and factors to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single statistic" functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to one specific piece of numerical data. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is commonly used in analysis and reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single statistic" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to refer to one specific data point. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility shines across various domains, from scientific research to news reporting. Although widely employed, it's essential to use "a single statistic" responsibly, providing adequate context and avoiding over-generalizations. Alternatives like "one data point" or "an isolated statistic" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to avoid drawing sweeping conclusions based solely on "a single statistic"; always consider the broader context and supporting evidence for a comprehensive analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one data point

Replaces "statistic" with a more general term for a piece of information.

one statistical value

More explicit about the statistical nature of the value.

a single piece of data

Replaces "statistic" with a broader term, focusing on the information aspect.

a particular statistic

Highlights that it's a specified statistic.

an isolated statistic

Emphasizes the separateness of the statistic from other data.

an individual statistic

Emphasizes the individuality of the statistic.

a unique statistic

Highlights the distinctiveness of the statistic.

a singular statistic

Focuses on the uniqueness of the statistical value.

a solitary figure

Uses a more figurative term to describe a single numerical value.

a lone figure

Similar to "a solitary figure", uses figurative language.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a single statistic" in my writing?

To effectively use "a single statistic", provide enough context so that the reader understands its significance. Avoid misrepresenting the data by selecting a statistic that supports your point while ignoring contradictory evidence.

What phrases can I use instead of "a single statistic"?

You can use alternatives like "one data point", "an isolated statistic", or "a lone figure" depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it acceptable to base an entire argument on "a single statistic"?

While "a single statistic" can be a powerful tool, it's generally not advisable to base an entire argument on it. A stronger argument incorporates multiple data points and perspectives to provide a more robust and nuanced analysis.

How do I avoid misinterpreting "a single statistic"?

To avoid misinterpreting "a single statistic", always consider the source, the methodology used to collect the data, and any potential biases. Look for corroborating evidence from other sources to ensure the statistic is reliable and representative.