arrive at a figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arrive at a figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing calculations, estimates, or conclusions that lead to a specific numerical result. Example: "After analyzing the data, we were able to arrive at a figure that accurately reflects our projected sales for the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The question is how to arrive at a figure that indicates the city's general carbon monoxide level.

The New York Times

How did you arrive at a figure like that, and what accounted for some of the most costly and significant damage?

Yale University

When all these factors are taken into account, you arrive at a figure of one cot death in 8,543 in a well-off family like the Clarks.

The Guardian

The trial court arrived at the $12,698.63 by multiplying 912.256 tons by $22.00 per ton to arrive at a figure of $20,069.63; then it subtracted the $7,371.00 cost of hauling to arrive at the amount of judgment.

Harvard University

They also strip out one-time gains or losses to arrive at a figure that, they say, reflects the true performance of its ongoing operations: the company's core earnings.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The other day I tried to arrive at a figure for how many men known to have participated actively in genocides are still alive," Iben says at one point.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Professor Notestein, also assuming the absence of non-Jewish migration, extended his calculations to 1970 and arrived at a figure of 1,876,000.

Yale University

Based off averages from 2004 to 2006, sources say the commission initially arrived at a figure north of 200 million tons of carbon dioxide.

The New York Times

Jia Kang, a Ministry of Finance researcher, gives a lower total of 6 trillion renminbi, or $880 billion, while China International Capital, an investment bank, arrives at a figure of 5.6 trillion renminbi.

The New York Times

Previously, Takahashi said, only around ten per cent of genes were thought to work this way; Hogenesch and his colleagues arrived at a figure of forty-three per cent.

The New Yorker

The property has in the past been valued at $3 million, yet an appraiser hired by the town arrived at a figure of $1 million.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arrive at a figure", ensure the context clearly indicates the process or method used to obtain the number. For instance, specify whether it was through calculation, estimation, or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "arrive at a figure" when the number is merely a rough guess without any supporting data or method. Use more appropriate terms like "estimate" or "approximate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arrive at a figure" functions as a verbal phrase. It indicates the action of reaching a specific numerical value through a process such as calculation, estimation, or analysis. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arrive at a figure" is a useful expression for describing the process of obtaining a specific numerical value through calculation, estimation, or analysis. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "calculate a value" or "estimate an amount", "arrive at a figure" often suggests a more systematic or reasoned approach. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for diverse contexts including news, academia, and general communication. Remember to use this phrase when you can also support your estimate with sources or evidence. Overall, "arrive at a figure" is a valuable tool for expressing the outcome of analytical or computational processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculate a value

Focuses more on the mathematical calculation aspect.

determine a number

Emphasizes the act of finding or establishing a specific numerical value.

reach a total

Highlights the summation or accumulation aspect leading to a final number.

estimate an amount

Implies an approximate calculation, rather than a precise one.

deduce a result

Suggests that the number is derived logically from available information.

work out a sum

More directly implies performing a calculation to get the final number.

ascertain a quantity

A more formal way of expressing the determination of a specific amount.

compute a result

Similar to calculate but more computer/mathematics focused

find a solution

Emphasizes problem-solving to derive the number.

conclude a value

Shifts focus from mathematical operations to reasoning and reaching a conclusion

FAQs

How can I use "arrive at a figure" in a sentence?

You can use "arrive at a figure" when you want to describe a process of calculating, estimating, or concluding a specific numerical value. For instance: "After analyzing the data, we were able to "arrive at a figure" that accurately reflects our projected sales for the next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "arrive at a figure"?

Alternatives to "arrive at a figure" include "calculate a value", "determine a number", or "estimate an amount". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of precision involved.

What is the difference between "arrive at a figure" and "estimate a figure"?

"Arrive at a figure" suggests a more systematic approach, possibly involving calculations or analysis, while "estimate a figure" implies a less precise, more approximate assessment. Therefore, "arrive at a figure" implies a higher degree of certainty.

Is it always appropriate to use "arrive at a figure" when discussing numbers?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use "arrive at a figure" when the number is the result of a process, like analysis or calculation. If the number is simply stated or observed, using a different phrase might be more suitable. For example, "The sales team reported "determine a number" that accurately reflects our projected sales for the next quarter."