false figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "false figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a representation or depiction that is misleading or inaccurate. Example: "The report presented a false figure regarding the company's profits, leading to confusion among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If he proves to be a false figure of history, then Russia, no matter how hard it tries to look like a superpower, will sink to the depths like that submarine Kursk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Andy Slaughter said: "The government is making policy on the basis of false figures.

The Guardian

I'd have to be crazy to truthfully comment on false figures.

The New York Times

His false figures and prevarications caused him to self-destruct.Voters sized Mr Chee up.

The Economist

When a company promotes its results by using a non-GAAP measure, then any false figures can result in misleading investors because they are not required to ferret out the truth by overlooking what a company chooses to highlight.

The New York Times

Instead, they simply relied on dip-sampling by the audit commission and internal checks, enforced by chief officers - even though past scandals have clearly indicated the collusion of chief officers in delivering false figures.

The Guardian

Since the rates submitted are estimates, not actual transactions, it has been suggested that banks could have submitted false figures.

BBC

Nevertheless, in many cases authors are not aware of the consequences that occur when different Ri definitions are being used, such as possible misinterpretations, doubtful comparisons and false figures of merit.

Journal of Power Sources

The original false figures have also been submitted by the Palestinian Authority to the International Criminal Court.

Huffington Post

Instead, Senators Cotton, Graham, Ayotte, and the others who spouted false figures and facts about Guantánamo yesterday have shown how far they are willing to damage the United States in order to score political points.

Huffington Post

We did not observe a significant correlation between the microsatellite amplicon length (measured as maximum allele size) and error rates (the number of drop outs and false alleles; Figure  3).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "false figure", ensure the context clearly indicates what the figure is intended to represent and why it is considered false. Providing specific details or evidence to support the claim of falsehood can strengthen your argument and enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "false figure" without providing sufficient context or evidence. Simply stating that a figure is false without explaining why can weaken your argument and leave the reader unconvinced. Always specify what the figure pertains to and the basis for your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false figure" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or subject complement. It denotes a numerical value or representation that is incorrect or untrue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "false figure" is a noun phrase used to describe an inaccurate or misleading numerical representation. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, although somewhat rare in occurrence. It commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts to challenge the validity of data. While the phrase is suitable for formal writing, providing context and evidence to support the claim of falsehood is crucial for clarity and credibility. Alternatives like "misleading statistic" or "inaccurate data" can provide more specificity depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misleading statistic

Focuses specifically on statistical data that is presented in a way that is deceptive or inaccurate.

incorrect representation

Emphasizes the inaccuracy of a depiction or portrayal of something.

fabricated number

Highlights that a number or figure has been invented or created falsely.

inaccurate data

Refers to data that contains errors or is not correct.

erroneous value

Focuses on the value or numerical quantity being incorrect.

distorted fact

Suggests that a fact has been twisted or manipulated to give a false impression.

untrue number

Simple and direct way to indicate a numerical value is not true.

fictitious data

Implies that the data is imaginary or invented.

counterfeit statistic

Analogous to currency, implying the statistic is fake.

invalid figure

Implies that the figure is not correct or permissible.

FAQs

How can I use "false figure" in a sentence?

You can use "false figure" to describe a number or statistic that is misleading or inaccurate. For example, "The company presented a "false figure" in their financial report to attract investors".

What are some alternatives to "false figure"?

Some alternatives to "false figure" include "misleading statistic", "inaccurate data", or "erroneous value". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the figure you want to emphasize.

What is the difference between "false figure" and "misleading statistic"?

"False figure" is a more general term that can refer to any inaccurate number, while "misleading statistic" specifically refers to statistical data that is presented in a deceptive way. A "false figure" might simply be incorrect, whereas a "misleading statistic" is designed to deceive.

Is it appropriate to use "false figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "false figure" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure that you provide sufficient context and evidence to support your claim. Using more precise alternatives like "inaccurate data" or "erroneous value" might be more suitable depending on the context.