figures referred to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "figures referred to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing specific numerical data or statistics that have been mentioned earlier in a text. Example: "The figures referred to in the report indicate a significant increase in sales over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The figures referred to the first picking season of the year.

The New York Times

These spirits — whether good or evil — appear in the form of believers wearing masks, figures referred to as "devils".

The New York Times

Tell that to the US pension funds with their optimistic return assumptions.Here are the Smithers figures, referred to above.

The Economist

The Government has been reported to its statistics watchdog over figures referred to by David Cameron in his Tuesday speech about European Union reform.

Independent

President Clinton's domestic policy adviser, Bruce Reed, who spoke at a Manhattan news conference where the trust issued its figures, referred to "a new golden age of philanthropy in America".

The New York Times

A Justice Department official said those figures referred to the cumulative damage from the long-running problem, not a measure of the damage done by the people who were arrested.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Those figures refer to all gun deaths – homicide, suicide and unintentional.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, these figures refer to the economy's capacity to expand — what economists refer to as the "potential growth rate".

The New Yorker

As the figures refer to families, the number of children moved is likely to be in the hundreds of thousands.

Independent

It is unclear whether Tinder's "user base" figures refer to active or registered users, which may also have an impact on the data.

The Guardian - Tech

The figures refer to growth for the entire year relative to the previous year, not to a comparison of the fourth quarter of each year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "figures referred to", always ensure that the figures have been clearly defined or presented earlier in the text to avoid ambiguity. For instance, clarify the source and context of the figures.

Common error

Avoid using "figures referred to" without specifying which figures you are talking about. Always provide enough context so your audience knows what you mean. Otherwise, your writing could become vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figures referred to" functions as a post-modifier, specifying which figures are being discussed. It usually follows a noun phrase (e.g., "the figures") and adds clarifying information, as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "figures referred to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. It serves to clarify which numerical data is being discussed, linking back to previously mentioned information. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's important to ensure clarity by clearly defining the figures being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "data cited" or "statistics mentioned" can be used for a more formal tone. This expression is suitable for various writing styles but always benefits from clear contextual cues. The high frequency of use in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC confirms its reliability and acceptance in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data cited

Focuses on the act of citing specific information, implying a more formal reference.

statistics mentioned

Highlights the statistical nature of the information being referenced.

numbers referenced

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of the data, suitable when precision is key.

values indicated

Suggests that the numbers point towards something, indicating a trend or conclusion.

results noted

Implies that the figures represent outcomes or findings from a study or analysis.

information alluded to

Suggests an indirect reference to the data, rather than a direct citation.

amounts specified

Highlights the precise quantities or sums that are being discussed.

totals reported

Emphasizes the sum or aggregate of the data being presented.

quantities listed

Focuses on the enumeration or cataloging of the data.

metrics identified

Highlights that figures are used for measuring and assessing performance or characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "figures referred to" in a sentence?

You can use "figures referred to" to point back to data previously mentioned, as in: "The "figures referred to" in the study indicate a significant increase in sales."

What's a more formal way to say "figures referred to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "data cited" or "statistics mentioned", which convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "figures referred to"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with ""figures referred to"" might sound awkward. Rephrasing to provide context first, like "According to the report, the figures referred to...", can improve clarity.

What's the difference between "figures referred to" and "figures refer to"?

"Figures referred to" indicates that the figures have already been mentioned, while "figures refer to" is used to explain what the figures represent or relate to. The former looks at past information, the latter points to the information you are giving now.