imprecise figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imprecise figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to numerical data or statistics that lack accuracy or clarity. Example: "The report presented imprecise figures that made it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That contrasts with 39,700 workers in 1996 and with far larger though imprecise figures from the district's heyday.

The New York Times

They are the first to be freed since Wednesday, and bring the total released through Liberia to 204, leaving about 280 more unaccounted for, according to the United Nations' own imprecise figures.

The New York Times

Even supporters of the new base admit that it is hard to judge the full ecological impact because America has given imprecise figures about how many troops and aircraft would remain.If the Hatoyama administration does break its promise to the Okinawans, it would be "suicidal", says Yoichi Iha, mayor of Ginowan and a staunch opponent of the agreement.

The Economist

Growth has already fallen from an annual peak of 13.4% in 1992-94 to an annualised rate of 7.2% for the year so far, making a nonsense of the government's often repeated claims that it will reach the 8% growth target for 1998 that Zhu Rongji, the prime minister, famously "guaranteed" in March.The difference might appear to be hair-splitting of highly imprecise figures.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This may result in imprecise prevalence figures.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

She told VICE that the methods used by researchers in the 2008 University of Indonesia and BNN study are imprecise and the figures are based on projections.

Vice

The figures are imprecise because the Congressional annual disclosure forms use a broad range of figures.

The New York Times

Based on imprecise government data, these figures rarely reflect true market value.

The New York Times

Since official French statistics do not record ethnic origin, figures are imprecise.

The Economist

Most of the murders, often of teenagers, occur in the shanty towns on the periphery.The figures are imprecise.

The Economist

In hard times, suicides tend to increase, and national figures, however imprecise and lagging, indicate that that is happening now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imprecise figures", clarify the source of the imprecision or any limitations it introduces in your analysis. Providing context helps readers understand the reliability of the data.

Common error

Avoid drawing definitive or strong conclusions based solely on "imprecise figures". Acknowledge the limitations and use tentative language when interpreting the data to avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imprecise figures" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "imprecise" modifies the noun "figures". It describes data that is not exact or accurate. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imprecise figures" is a grammatically correct and usable term to describe numerical data that lacks accuracy or exactness. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct, its usage is relatively rare, appearing primarily in news and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, it's essential to provide context regarding the source and implications of the imprecision to avoid misleading interpretations. Alternatives like "approximate numbers" or "rough estimates" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Always avoid drawing definitive conclusions solely based on "imprecise figures".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate numbers

Replaces "imprecise" with a more neutral term, focusing on the approximate nature of the figures.

rough estimates

Highlights the estimated nature of the figures, suggesting a lack of precision.

inaccurate statistics

Emphasizes the lack of accuracy in the statistical data.

unreliable data

Focuses on the lack of reliability of the figures as a source of information.

uncertain values

Highlights the uncertainty associated with the numerical values.

estimated values

Suggests that the figures are based on estimation rather than precise measurement.

questionable numbers

Implies doubt about the accuracy or validity of the numbers.

inexact calculations

Focuses on the calculations involved, suggesting they were not performed with precision.

unconfirmed statistics

Highlights that the statistics have not been verified or confirmed.

ballpark figures

Uses an idiom to indicate that the figures are approximate and not precise.

FAQs

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

You can use "imprecise figures" to describe data that is not exact or accurate. For example: "The study relied on "imprecise figures" due to limitations in data collection."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "imprecise figures"?

Alternatives to "imprecise figures" include "approximate numbers", "rough estimates", or "unreliable data". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "imprecise figures" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "imprecise figures" when discussing data where the exact values are unknown or have a degree of uncertainty. Always acknowledge the imprecision to maintain transparency.

What does it mean when data is described as "imprecise figures"?

When data is described as "imprecise figures", it means the values are not exact or accurate. This could be due to limitations in measurement, estimation, or data collection methods.