cold hard numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

"cold hard numbers" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to facts or figures that are not easily disputed. For example: "The cold hard numbers showed that our business was failing and drastic measures had to be taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

But what do the cold, hard numbers reveal?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Surely they were based on cold hard numbers.

The New York Times

But one day you have to wake up and look at the cold, hard numbers".

The New Yorker

He, like Mr. Buffett, simply cares about the company's cold, hard numbers.

The New York Times

But he also makes a point of concentrating directly on cold, hard numbers.

The New York Times

"We show them what they are doing in cold, hard numbers".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Today, the true value of all that was reduced to a cold, hard number.

Forbes

No hyperbole works better than cold, hard, inflated numbers.

HuffPost

While there are still those who need to see the cold hard ROI numbers to measure the value in wellness, there are just as many businesses that know a good employee wellness program can help to lower their insurance costs, increase employee productivity, and to attract and retain good talent.

Huffington Post

Your quarrel is with the cold, hard reality of numbers, not with our judgement".

The Guardian - Tech

So, before arguing that your division deserves 60% of the credit for your corporation's recent success, take a cold, hard look at the numbers.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "cold hard numbers", always cite your sources to maintain credibility and allow readers to verify the information.

Common error

Don't assume that "cold hard numbers" speak for themselves. Always provide context and analysis to help your audience understand the significance of the data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold hard numbers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjectives 'cold' and 'hard' modify the noun 'numbers'. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is used to refer to facts or figures that are not easily disputed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold hard numbers" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the objective and factual nature of numerical data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to refer to facts or figures that are difficult to dispute. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it serves to persuade or inform by appealing to logic and evidence. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid misinterpretation. Alternatives like "objective statistics" or "verifiable data" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard facts

Slightly less emphatic than "cold hard numbers", still highlighting the reality of the information.

objective statistics

Focuses on the impartiality and lack of bias in the numerical data.

unequivocal statistics

Undeniable numbers, often used in academic or scientific contexts.

verifiable data

Highlights the confirmable and reliable nature of the information.

plain facts

Highlights the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the facts.

indisputable figures

Emphasizes the difficulty to challenge or deny the given numbers.

demonstrable data

Focuses on the capacity of the data to prove or show something clearly.

concrete facts

Stresses the tangible and solid aspect of the factual information.

irrefutable evidence

Highlights the undeniable and conclusive nature of the proof.

raw data

Focuses on the unprocessed state of the numerical information.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "cold hard numbers" in my writing?

To effectively use "cold hard numbers", ensure they are accurate, relevant, and presented with sufficient context to allow your audience to understand their significance. Visual aids like charts can also help.

What does it mean to present "cold hard numbers"?

Presenting "cold hard numbers" means offering objective, factual data without emotional bias or subjective interpretation. It's about letting the numbers speak for themselves, backed by credible sources.

Are there contexts where using "cold hard numbers" might be inappropriate?

Yes, in situations where emotional appeals or qualitative arguments are more persuasive. Over-reliance on "cold hard numbers" can be seen as insensitive or lacking empathy, depending on the context.

What phrases are similar to "cold hard numbers" and how do they differ?

Similar phrases include "objective statistics", "verifiable data", and "indisputable figures". These alternatives emphasize different aspects, such as impartiality, reliability, or difficulty to challenge.