bleak statistics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bleak statistics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe data or figures that present a grim or discouraging outlook, often in contexts such as reports, analyses, or discussions about social issues, economics, or health. Example: "The report revealed bleak statistics regarding unemployment rates, indicating a significant rise in joblessness over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

EDUCATION Mr. Paladino cited bleak statistics on student performance as he portrayed the dire state of public education.

The New York Times

Despite today's bleak statistics, few economists think that Germany is at risk of tumbling back into a recession.

The New York Times

The owners point to bleak statistics: landings at Portland's seafood auction, for example, dropped to 6.3 million pounds last year from 17 million in 2006.

The New York Times

The business association has its own set of bleak statistics, among them the fact that Connecticut has the highest energy prices in the country.

The New York Times

Despite the bleak statistics on the postretirement prospects of athletes in a variety of sports, George Washington decided to put its initial focus on the N.F.L., because other sports have shorter off-seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Bereft of a clear narrative, journalists and photographers often confine themselves to stories of suffering, anchored in bleak statistics: 400,000 rapes in one year; 5.4 million deaths between 1998 and 2007.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Peña was 0 for 13 with six strikeouts, the bleakest statistics by a No. 3 hitter in the World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

Among the bleaker statistics: a measure of inflation rose to its highest level since July 1979 and manufacturing inventories inched up, a sign of diminished demand.

The New York Times

However bleak, the statistics obscure crosscurrents of pride and resilience.

The New York Times

Following the release of those bleak new statistics, Jon Sparkes, chief executive of the homeless charity Crisis, said that more needs to be done to stop people falling into homelessness in the first place.

Vice

The higher they go, the bleaker the statistics: Only 24 of the S&P 500 companies have female CEOs.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bleak statistics", ensure that the context clearly reflects a situation with genuinely negative or discouraging data. Avoid using it hyperbolically for minor setbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "bleak statistics" to sensationalize minor issues or to create unnecessary alarm. Focus on presenting the data objectively, rather than exaggerating its negative implications.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bleak statistics" is as a noun phrase, where "bleak" modifies the noun "statistics". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly and effectively describes data that presents a negative or discouraging outlook.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bleak statistics" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe negative or discouraging data. Ludwig AI analysis validates its appropriate usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "dismal statistics" or "grim statistics" exist, it's crucial to ensure the phrase aligns with genuinely negative data and avoids sensationalism. Using "bleak statistics" effectively involves presenting information objectively and avoiding exaggeration. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dismal statistics

Replaces "bleak" with a synonym that also emphasizes negativity and discouragement.

grim statistics

Similar to "dismal", but with a slightly stronger connotation of severity and hopelessness.

dire statistics

Suggests that the statistics indicate a very serious and urgent problem.

gloomy statistics

Another synonym for "bleak", conveying a sense of pessimism and darkness.

sobering statistics

Suggests statistics that make you think seriously about a situation.

unfavorable statistics

A more neutral alternative, focusing on the lack of positive outcomes.

negative statistics

A straightforward way to describe statistics that indicate undesirable outcomes.

depressing statistics

Highlights the emotional impact of the data, emphasizing feelings of sadness or discouragement.

discouraging statistics

Focuses on the effect the statistics have on morale and motivation.

pessimistic statistics

Emphasizes the expectation of negative future outcomes based on the data.

FAQs

How can I use "bleak statistics" in a sentence?

You can use "bleak statistics" to describe data that presents a negative or discouraging outlook. For example, "The report revealed "bleak statistics" regarding unemployment rates."

What are some alternatives to "bleak statistics"?

Alternatives include "dismal statistics", "grim statistics", or "unfavorable statistics" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bleak statistics" in formal writing?

Yes, "bleak statistics" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious issues in reports, analyses, or academic papers. However, ensure the data genuinely supports the description.

What's the difference between "bleak statistics" and "sobering statistics"?

"Bleak statistics" emphasizes the negativity and discouragement associated with the data, while "sobering statistics" suggests that the data is serious and requires thoughtful consideration. The latter may not necessarily be entirely negative but still warrants attention.