certain figures

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain figures" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to refer to numerical data or statistics, either generally or specifically. For example: "The report includes certain figures on energy consumption in the UK."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

True, certain figures are available.

The New York Times

Certain figures bridge the two worlds.

The New York Times - Arts

It's difficult not to repeat certain figures and patterns.

The New Yorker

LARGE SURPLUS IS CERTAIN Figures Indicate Another Reduction of Taxation by Congress Will Be Warranted.

The New York Times

Certain figures, like Mullah Omar, the Taliban leader, remain out of bounds, he said.

The New York Times

The game even hints that certain figures are more helpful to complete each mission.

The New York Times - Tech

Like certain figures drawn by Edward Gorey, he has the carriage of a drooping lily.

The New York Times

Sayyid told me cautionary tales about certain figures, like the one-eyed doorman.

The New Yorker

Mr. Karzai was pressed by both sides to choose certain figures, she said.

The New York Times

In the grey, silent streets upon which I gaze move certain figures, vague figures in clothes of an unreal blue.

The Guardian

It is understood that the controversy has not gone down well with certain figures in the Belarus team.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "certain figures" with a descriptive phrase or clause that specifies the figures in question.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying whether "certain figures" refers to individuals, financial data, or some other type of quantifiable information. If the context doesn't make it clear, rephrase for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain figures" functions as a determiner + noun, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain figures" is a versatile phrase used to denote specific individuals or numerical data without providing explicit details. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, particularly in news, academia, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "specific individuals" or "particular statistics" can offer greater clarity depending on the intended meaning. Ensure your writing is precise by clarifying whether you're referring to people or numerical values to enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific individuals

Replaces "figures" with "individuals" focusing on people.

particular people

Emphasizes the selection of specific persons.

some individuals

Uses "some" to indicate an unspecified but limited number of people.

specific data points

Replaces "figures" with "data points" to refer to numerical information.

particular statistics

Focuses on specific statistical data.

select numbers

Highlights the act of choosing certain numerical values.

definite personalities

Highlights notable or well-known individuals.

named entities

Emphasizes the identification of named individuals or things.

identifiable persons

Focuses on people who can be recognized or distinguished.

known quantities

Refers to known or established amounts or values.

FAQs

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

Use "certain figures" to refer to specific individuals or numerical data, as in, "Certain figures in the company benefited from the new policy" or "The report highlights "certain figures" related to revenue growth".

What are some alternatives to using "certain figures"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "specific individuals", "particular people", or "specific data points".

When is it appropriate to use "certain figures"?

It's appropriate when you want to refer to specific people or numerical data without explicitly naming them or providing exact values. This can be useful for summarizing information or maintaining confidentiality.

Is there a difference between "certain figures" and "specific figures"?

While similar, "specific figures" often implies a more precise or detailed reference. "Certain figures" suggests some level of selection or notability, while "specific figures" simply highlights the exactness of the data.