columns of figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "columns of figures" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It refers to a set of numbers that are arranged in columns within a table or chart. Example: The finance report showed a steady increase in profits over the years, as seen in the columns of figures in the revenue section.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's adding up columns of figures that's dehumanizing.

The New Yorker

On another wall sits a smaller set of four columns of figures.

The Washington Post

On Monday mornings we fell asleep in front of our computer monitors, columns of figures twisting like double helixes, words marching about the screen like little ants.

The New York Times

It can rapidly add up great columns of figures, and with new easy-to-use software, you can play "what-if" games, exploring various strategies in regard to taxes, investments, mortgage loans, insurance or retirement planning, for example.

The New York Times

But if we raise our eyes from the columns of figures it becomes clear that neither major party seems to be able to tell us how they will successfully reduce deficits or promote growth enough to significantly reduce joblessness.

The Guardian

He was born in Wijk, Sweden, on February 19 1859, and is reputed to have taught himself to read at the age of three, and become interested in mathematics from watching his father, a land surveyor, add columns of figures.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This can also be observed by comparing the first and second columns of Figure 12.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

This is illustrated in the first and forth columns of Figure 5.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The last two columns of Figure 3 show the p-values of the individual genes for Th1 and Th2 stimulation.

Plosone

The average activity profile of the NR groups (NRG) are shown in the columns of Figure 1(c).

Plosone

In the right columns of Figure 3 and Figure 4 we present the histograms of the inter and intra correlations for different values of the coupling.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "columns of figures", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to numerical data arranged vertically. Use it in situations where the arrangement of numbers is relevant to the meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "columns of figures" when simply referring to a large quantity of numbers without a specific arrangement. Instead, use phrases like "numerical data" or "statistical information" if the columnar arrangement isn't relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "columns of figures" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers to numerical data organized in a vertical format. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "columns of figures" accurately describes numerical data arranged vertically and is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, including "News & Media" and "Science", maintaining a neutral formality. It serves the primary function of referring to structured numerical information. For more general references to numbers, consider alternatives like "numerical data" or "statistical data". Remember, it's best employed when the arrangement of numbers is specifically relevant, ensuring clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerical columns

Replaces "figures" with the more specific term "numerical", focusing on the numerical aspect.

data columns

Substitutes "figures" with "data", highlighting the informational aspect of the numbers.

lists of numbers

Replaces "columns" with "lists", changing the structure while keeping the core meaning.

arrays of numbers

Uses "arrays" instead of "columns", altering the visual and structural representation.

tables of data

Changes from a linear structure (columns) to a tabular format, implying a more organized presentation.

numerical data sets

Emphasizes the collection aspect of the numbers.

financial spreadsheets

Implies the context of financial information being presented in a spreadsheet format.

mathematical tables

Focuses on the mathematical nature of the figures presented.

statistical data

Highlights the use of the figures for statistical analysis.

numerical statistics

Inverts the structure to emphasize the statistical nature of the numerical information.

FAQs

How can I use "columns of figures" in a sentence?

You can use "columns of figures" to describe data presented in a vertical arrangement, such as in financial reports or scientific studies. For example: "The analyst reviewed the columns of figures to identify trends in the market."

What is another way to say "columns of figures"?

Alternatives to "columns of figures" include "numerical columns", "data columns", or "lists of numbers", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "columns of figures" in formal writing?

Yes, "columns of figures" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business, scientific, or academic contexts where numerical data is presented in a structured format.

What is the difference between "columns of figures" and "numerical data"?

"Columns of figures" refers specifically to the visual arrangement of numbers in a vertical format. "Numerical data", on the other hand, is a more general term that encompasses any type of information represented by numbers, regardless of how it's organized.