actual figures

USAGE SUMMARY

"actual figures" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to specific, accurate numbers that represent the true value or amount of something. Example: The report showed that the company's revenue had increased by 15% compared to last year's actual figures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The actual figures are in brackets.

Independent

The bank would not give actual figures.

The New York Times

What are the actual figures?

The Guardian - Tech

How did students' estimates compare to Daly's actual figures?

The New York Times

Expenditure per student We do not publish the actual figures.

The Guardian

Actual figures are likely to be much higher, it says.

The Guardian

Expenditure per student We do not publish actual figures.

The Guardian

Actual figures will vary, yet the picture is broadly accurate.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the actual figures tell a different story.

The New York Times

No actual figures were included, certainly not $200 billion.

The Washington Post

TO speak of money, to name actual figures, is a freaky, dangerous thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In presentations, clearly label "actual figures" and differentiate them from projections or estimates using distinct visual cues like color-coding or annotations.

Common error

Avoid presenting estimated or projected data as "actual figures". Always clearly distinguish between the two to prevent misinterpretation and maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual figures" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It is used to specify concrete numbers as opposed to estimates, projections, or approximations. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "actual figures" are contrasted with predictions or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actual figures" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to specific, accurate numbers representing the true value of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in contexts where factual accuracy is paramount. It serves to provide clarity and precision, often contrasted with estimates or projections. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, its register ranges from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, ensure you're presenting verified data, not approximations, and always cite your sources for enhanced credibility. Alternatives such as "precise numbers" or "exact statistics" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise numbers

Replaces "actual" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy.

exact statistics

Substitutes "figures" with "statistics", suitable for formal contexts.

real data

Uses "real" instead of "actual" and "data" instead of "figures", implying authenticity.

accurate values

Replaces "figures" with "values", highlighting the correctness of the data.

verified amounts

Emphasizes the confirmation of the quantities involved.

factual numbers

Uses "factual" to underscore the truthfulness of the numbers.

confirmed totals

Highlights the verified sum or aggregate.

definitive counts

Replaces "figures" with "counts", implying a final, unchallenged number.

validated metrics

Replaces "figures" with "metrics", suitable when data is used for performance measurement.

authentic readings

Implies the genuineness and reliability of the measurements.

FAQs

How can I use "actual figures" in a sentence?

"Actual figures" are used to refer to precise, factual numbers. For example: "The company's "actual figures" for Q3 exceeded expectations."

What's the difference between "actual figures" and estimated values?

"Actual figures" are confirmed and accurate, while estimated values are approximate calculations based on assumptions. Using "estimated values" is useful for forecasting, but they shouldn't be confused with verified data.

Which is correct, "actual figures" or "real figures"?

Both "actual figures" and "real figures" are acceptable and often used interchangeably, though "actual figures" may carry a stronger connotation of verified precision.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "actual figures"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "precise numbers", "exact statistics", or "real data".