figure which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "figure which" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one is trying to identify or clarify a specific figure or item among options. Example: "I need to figure which option is the best for our project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's the 50% figure which – shockingly – keeps recurring.

The Guardian

He's regarded as a transformational figure, which only helps Chicago".

The New York Times

It's certainly a figure which is impossible to forget".

The Guardian

The suggested figure, which is supposed to include money for an assistant, is $200,000.

The New York Times

In 2003-04, 2.1m households rented – a figure which had grown to 4.4m by 2013-14.

The Guardian - Money

She had a fine firm Valkyrien figure which she adorned with drapes and floating scarfs.

The New Yorker

The figure, which surpassed analysts' expectations, offered some hope that the economic recovery was gaining strength.

The New York Times

He quotes from the figure, which says the figure is higher.

The Guardian

I couldn't figure which branch meemaw or pa-paw belonged to on a family tree.

The Guardian

He's in every way a large figure, which is interesting to me.

The New Yorker

The final figure, which is often revised, is due by 1 October.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "determine which", "identify which", or "ascertain which" for clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "figure which" in formal contexts. While it might appear in informal speech or writing, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Opt for alternatives that are more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figure which" functions as a relative clause, attempting to connect a noun or concept with a clause that specifies or clarifies it. Despite this function, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "figure which" appears frequently in various sources, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect in standard English. It functions as a relative clause, aiming to identify or clarify a specific figure or item. Although commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it's advisable to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives like "determine which", "identify which", or "ascertain which", especially in formal or professional writing. Using such alternatives ensures greater clarity and adherence to standard grammatical conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify which

Highlights the act of recognizing or pointing out a specific item or option.

determine which

Focuses on the process of making a definitive decision or conclusion.

decide which

Focuses on making a choice between multiple options.

find out which

A more general way of saying to learn or discover something.

ascertain which

Implies a more formal and careful effort to find something out for certain.

work out which

Implies solving a problem or puzzle to find the answer.

discover which

Suggests finding something out, possibly unexpectedly or after some investigation.

discern which

Suggests perceiving or recognizing something that may not be immediately obvious.

establish which

Emphasizes the process of proving or demonstrating something to be the case.

understand which

Focuses on gaining comprehension of the correct option or method.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "figure which" in a sentence?

You can replace "figure which" with more grammatically sound alternatives such as "determine which", "identify which", or "ascertain which" to improve clarity and correctness.

Is it correct to use "figure which" in formal writing?

No, "figure which" is generally considered incorrect in formal writing. Using alternatives like "determine which" will make your writing more professional.

What's the difference between "figure which" and "determine which"?

"Figure which" is often used informally, while "determine which" is a more formal and grammatically correct way to express the need to find out or establish something.

When is it appropriate to use "figure which"?

Although "figure which" appears commonly, it's best to avoid it altogether in favor of more grammatically correct alternatives. Using phrases like "identify which" or "ascertain which" ensures clarity and correctness in most contexts.