flattering data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flattering data" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to data that presents a positive or favorable view of a situation, performance, or outcome. Example: "The latest sales figures provided flattering data about our product's performance in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There has been a precedent set regarding 'cherry picking' of data". Cherry picking is where you report only flattering data, and ignore or bury data you don't like.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2006, for example, the education department brought out poor primary-school test results on the same day as more heartening GCSE ones.The second is that ministers will continue to see figures long before they are made public, and so have plenty of time to pick out the most flattering data and craft a message for public consumption.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Subtracting the fit curve from the original data yields a flatter data set.

Earth, Planets and Space

Yes, be flattered by data, mesmerized by integrated thinking, driven by incentives, wowed by technology.

Forbes

This is a fair question given evidence in the past that officials, especially those at the local level, have manipulated data to flatter their performance.

The Economist

It followed a 15% fall in shares in Tokyo on Wednesday, when Mitsubishi admitted to falsifying data to flatter the mileage rates clocked up on the vehicles in question.

The Guardian - Business

We think that the main reason for the tendency of decrease of measured abundance of Classic data and flatter measured abundance of Signature data in the high tag-position range is that PCR amplification is inefficient for longer sequences.

BMC Genomics

Some comparisons are not as favorable, such as the 2003 and 2004 XMM-LETGS comparisons, where the LETGS data give a flatter overall slope than the XMM fits.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The architectural evolution from hierarchical to flatter networks to handle increased data traffic volumes creates new challenges as identified in [1].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Even if treated glaucoma patients did not have normal distributions (the distribution, as expected, had a flatter shape without kurtosis), their data were suggestive of sporadic measurement errors.

BMC Ophthalmology

A bell curve projected from 50 years' worth of data would have been flatter than the one you plotted, or perhaps less far to the right.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "flattering data", always ensure transparency by acknowledging any limitations or potential biases in the data collection or analysis methods. This builds trust with your audience.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the implications of "flattering data". While it's positive, overstating its importance can lead to unrealistic expectations or misinformed decisions. Present it within a balanced context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flattering data" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "flattering" modifies the noun "data", indicating that the data presents a positive or favorable view. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flattering data" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe information that presents a positive view. According to Ludwig, its usage is acceptable and can be found in contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. While not extremely common, it's crucial to use this phrase responsibly, ensuring transparency and avoiding exaggeration. Alternatives like "positive statistics" or "promising indicators" might be suitable depending on the specific context. Remember to always provide a balanced view and avoid misleading interpretations when presenting "flattering data".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive statistics

Focuses specifically on numerical information and its favorable presentation.

favorable metrics

Emphasizes quantifiable measurements that reflect positively on a subject.

advantageous figures

Highlights numerical values that create a beneficial impression.

promising indicators

Stresses elements that suggest a positive future trend.

complimentary facts

Highlights a selection of facts presenting an object in a positive light

embellished information

Suggests exaggeration or enhancement of details to create a more appealing picture.

cherry-picked evidence

Implies a selective use of evidence to support a particular viewpoint.

biased results

Suggests a distortion of findings to favor a specific outcome.

rosy depiction

Implies an unrealistic positive image.

overstated claims

Suggests an exaggeration of the truth for promotional purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "flattering data" in a sentence?

You can use "flattering data" to describe information that presents a positive or favorable view. For example, "The company presented "flattering data" to shareholders, highlighting increased profits."

What is an alternative to using "flattering data"?

Alternatives include phrases like "positive statistics", "favorable metrics", or "promising indicators" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "flattering data" in formal writing?

Yes, "flattering data" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing results, performance, or outcomes. However, maintain transparency and avoid exaggeration.

What's the difference between "flattering data" and "cherry-picked evidence"?

"Flattering data" refers to positive information, while "cherry-picked evidence" implies a selective use of data to support a particular viewpoint, potentially ignoring contradictory information.