both figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two specific figures or items that have been previously mentioned or are being compared. Example: "In the report, both figures illustrate the growth trends over the last decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both figures are naked.

The New Yorker

(Both figures from NHS sources).

Independent

Both figures exclude destination charges.

The New York Times

(Both figures represent capacity additions).

The New York Times

Both figures trump any compact crossover.

The New York Times

Both figures were slightly below expectations.

The New York Times

Both figures beat analysts' projections.

The Guardian - Business

Both figures are almost certainly underestimates.

The Economist

Both figures were well below economists' forecasts.

The Guardian - Business

Both figures are more positive than October.

The Economist

(Both figures are in both books).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both figures", ensure that the figures you are referring to have been clearly defined or introduced previously in your text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "both figures" if there is any ambiguity about which figures you are referring to. Ensure the context makes it absolutely clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both figures" acts as a determiner phrase functioning as a pronoun. It points back to two previously specified numbers or representations, allowing for concise referencing in explanations and comparisons as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both figures" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression primarily functioning as a pronoun. It refers to two previously mentioned numerical values or representations. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and usefulness. Its high frequency in news, science, and business contexts suggests its versatility across multiple registers. Remember to ensure that the figures are clear in the context before using this phrase. Top sources using this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist which contribute to the phrase's authority and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two numbers

Focuses specifically on numerical values, implying a mathematical context.

the two amounts

Specifically refers to quantities or sums of something.

the pair of values

Highlights the pairing aspect, suitable when the two figures are considered as a set.

both data points

Suggests that the figures are specific points within a larger dataset.

these statistics

Emphasizes the statistical nature of the figures, appropriate in analytical contexts.

these measurements

Used when the figures represent measured values.

the aforementioned data

More formal, referring back to previously mentioned data points.

the respective values

Highlights that each figure corresponds to a specific item or category.

both sets of data

Implies that the figures are comprised of data sets instead of standalone numbers.

the couple of numbers

Informal way to refer to two numbers, suitable for casual contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "both figures" to refer back to two previously mentioned numerical values or representations. For instance, "The company's revenue and profit increased this year. Both figures exceeded analysts' expectations".

What can I say instead of "both figures"?

You can use alternatives like "the two numbers", "the pair of values", or "these statistics" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "both figures" in writing?

"Both figures" is appropriate when you want to discuss two specific data points, amounts, or numerical representations that have already been mentioned and are clear to the reader. Ensure you are referring back to those specific quantities and not vaguely implying which ones you mean.

What is the difference between "both figures" and "the figures"?

"Both figures" implies that there are only two figures being discussed. "The figures" can refer to multiple numbers or representations in a broader set. The key difference is specificity.