figures were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "figures were" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing numerical data or statistics in the past tense. Example: "The figures were significantly higher than expected, indicating a strong market performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No figures were given.

The New York Times

Audience figures were dismal.

The Guardian - Film

The figures were startling.

The New Yorker

The figures were staggering.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sales figures were mixed.

The New York Times

No figures were mentioned.

The New York Times

No figures were announced.

The New York Times

No figures were divulged.

The New York Times - Sports

Figures were totaled.

The New York Times - Tech

Casualty figures were kept secret.

The New Yorker

Those figures were no surprise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting data, ensure that the context is clear. Instead of just stating "figures were high", specify what the figures represent and why their level matters.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because "figures were" correlated, one directly caused the other. Always consider other potential factors and avoid drawing unsubstantiated causal conclusions. Correlation does not equal causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figures were" functions as a way to introduce or describe numerical data in the past tense. It's used to present facts, statistics, or measurements, as demonstrated by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "figures were" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for presenting numerical data in the past tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable across diverse contexts, though often seen in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid jumping to causal conclusions based solely on correlation. Alternatives like "data indicated" or "statistics showed" can add variety to your writing. By considering these nuances, you can effectively communicate quantitative information with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data indicated

This alternative replaces "figures" with "data" and uses "indicated" to convey a similar meaning of representation or revelation.

statistics showed

Substituting "figures" with "statistics" and "were" with "showed" provides a more formal and direct way to present numerical information.

numbers reflected

This option uses "numbers" as a synonym for "figures" and "reflected" to imply that the numbers mirrored a certain reality or trend.

results demonstrated

Replacing "figures" with "results" and "were" with "demonstrated" suggests that the outcomes of a study or analysis were being presented.

values represented

This alternative uses "values" in place of "figures" and "represented" to emphasize the significance or meaning of the numerical data.

totals amounted to

Substituting "figures" with "totals" and using the phrase "amounted to" indicates that the overall sums or quantities are being discussed.

counts equaled

This option replaces "figures" with "counts" and "were" with "equaled" to convey that the tallies or enumerations reached a certain level.

metrics indicated

Using "metrics" as a substitute for "figures" implies that specific measurements or performance indicators are being referenced.

levels reached

This alternative focuses on the attainment of specific "levels" or thresholds, rather than just the figures themselves.

proportions constituted

Replacing "figures" with "proportions" and using "constituted" emphasizes the relative amounts or ratios of different elements.

FAQs

How can I use "figures were" in a sentence?

You can use "figures were" to introduce numerical data or statistics in the past tense. For example, "The "sales figures were" higher than expected last quarter".

What are some alternatives to using "figures were"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "data indicated", "statistics showed", or "numbers reflected" to express similar ideas.

Which is more appropriate: "figures were" or "data was"?

"Figures were" is generally used when referring to specific numerical values, while "data was" is used for more general information. The choice depends on whether you are talking about specific numbers or broader sets of information.

Is it correct to say "the figures was" instead of "figures were"?

No, "the figures was" is grammatically incorrect. "Figures" is plural, so it requires the plural verb "were". The correct phrase is "the figures were".