fluctuation in numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fluctuation in numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when talking about a changing or shifting numerical value in a particular area or field of study. For example, "We have seen a fluctuation in numbers of new home sales over the past several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While fluctuation in numbers is expected since stranding records depend on observed incidents, last year's body count indicates the issue requires attention.

The Washington Post

The error bars raise the possibility that there was some random fluctuation in numbers.

EBioMedicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The large product variety driven by customers' preferences and fluctuation in number of product variants produced annually impose manufacturing challenges.

Procedia Manufacturing

Figure 1 also shows that the number of new motorcycle fatalities tracked closely with the fluctuation in number of motorcycle sales.

Injury Epidemiology

The latter concerns with fluctuation in number of molecules and external environment.

Plosone

It would be very interesting to investigate the flow of T cells in meningeal lymphatic vessels during infection and inflammation and to determine fluctuation in number of T cells drawn to (and out of) the brain parenchyma which potentially would change our understanding of T cell circulation in the brain.

EBioMedicine

There are natural fluctuations in numbers, with anything from two commuters upwards in each train.

The Guardian

Fish, like most other animals, are subject to fluctuations in numbers.

The Guardian

This, in turn, can and does cause fluctuations in numbers as a cohort progresses through an academy".

The Guardian

While there have been fluctuations in numbers from year to year, the overall change in their populations since 2007 is assessed as deteriorating.

The Guardian

The head office monitors transaction volumes, fluctuations in numbers of customers, customer profitability, branch profits, cost patterns, productivity, and much more.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing data, be specific about the cause of the "fluctuation in numbers". Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "fluctuation in numbers" to a specific cause without sufficient evidence. Correlation does not equal causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fluctuation in numbers" acts as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the act or state of varying numerically. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a changing numerical value in a particular area or field of study.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fluctuation in numbers" effectively describes variations in numerical data. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. While categorized as uncommon, it finds relevance across diverse fields like science, news reporting, and formal business communications. When using "fluctuation in numbers", consider providing context to the causes behind the shift. Be aware of attributing causality without supporting evidence. Related phrases like "numerical variation" or "quantitative shift" offer more formal alternatives. Remember that "fluctuation" indicates short-term changes as opposed to long-term trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variation in quantity

This alternative focuses on the changing amount or count of something.

numerical shift

This alternative emphasizes a change or movement in numerical values.

change in figures

This alternative uses the word "figures" to refer to numerical data.

numerical variation

This alternative reverses the order of words while maintaining the core meaning.

ups and downs in statistics

This alternative uses a more colloquial expression to describe the changes in numerical data.

oscillations in counts

This alternative uses "oscillations" to suggest a regular back-and-forth movement in numbers.

alteration in amounts

This alternative emphasizes a change in the quantity or size of something.

rise and fall in figures

This alternative uses a more descriptive expression to represent the increasing and decreasing trends in numbers.

numerical instability

This alternative emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the changing numbers.

drifting numbers

This alternative paints a picture of numbers changing in an uncontrolled way.

FAQs

How can I use "fluctuation in numbers" in a sentence?

You can use "fluctuation in numbers" to describe variations in numerical data over time. For example, "The company experienced a significant "fluctuation in numbers" of website visitors after the marketing campaign."

What's a more formal way to say "fluctuation in numbers"?

A more formal alternative to "fluctuation in numbers" could be "numerical variation" or "quantitative shift". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What factors might cause a "fluctuation in numbers"?

A "fluctuation in numbers" can be caused by various factors, such as seasonal changes, economic trends, or external events. Identifying these factors requires careful analysis of the data.

Is there a difference between "fluctuation in numbers" and "trend in numbers"?

Yes, a "fluctuation in numbers" refers to short-term variations, while a "trend in numbers" indicates a longer-term pattern or direction, such as a consistent increase or decrease.